Gunman Was Close to Trump Because ‘He’s Not Sitting President’-Sheriff Says

A gunman allegedly came within 500 yards of former President Donald Trump during a shooting incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, highlighting potential security vulnerabilities for the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. The suspect was later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, officials told The Associated Press.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw revealed details of the Sunday afternoon incident during a press conference, shedding light on how the suspect managed to get so close to the former president.
“The golf course is surrounded by shrubbery, so when somebody gets into the shrubbery, they’re pretty much out of sight,” Bradshaw explained. He added a crucial point about Trump’s current security status: “And at this level that he is at right now, he’s not the sitting president…”
This statement underscores the difference in security protocols between a sitting president and a former president, even one actively campaigning for office. The incident has raised questions about the adequacy of protection for high-profile political figures who are not currently in office.
According to law enforcement, a Secret Service agent spotted the gunman with a rifle protruding from a bush-lined fence at the golf course around 1:30 p.m. EST. The agent “engaged” with the suspect, who then fled the scene in a vehicle. The shooter was later apprehended and taken into custody.
The FBI has informed Newsweek that they are investigating the incident as an “attempted assassination,” marking the second such attempt on Trump’s life in less than three months. On July 13, Trump was the target of another assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where a shooter fired at him from a nearby rooftop, coming within 164 yards of the former president.
The proximity of the gunman in this latest incident – between 300 to 500 yards from Trump – has alarmed security experts and campaign officials alike. It highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting presidential candidates and former presidents in various settings, particularly in expansive outdoor areas like golf courses.
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Chueng, assured the public in a statement to Newsweek that the former president “is safe following gunshots in his vicinity.” Trump himself later issued a statement, declaring, “I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!” He also expressed gratitude to his supporters, emphasizing themes of unity and his campaign slogan: “Make America Great Again.”
The incident has reignited debates about the level of protection afforded to former presidents and active presidential candidates. While sitting presidents receive the highest level of security from the Secret Service, the protocols for former presidents and candidates can vary, potentially leaving gaps that determined assailants might exploit.
This is a developing story that will be updated as information becomes available.