FBI: Secret Service stops 2nd Trump assassination try
The former president evaded a second assassination attempt at his golf club in Palm Beach, Florida
What happened
Donald Trump narrowly avoided what "appears to be an attempted assassination" Sunday afternoon at his golf club in Palm Beach, Florida, the FBI said. A Secret Service agent scoping the course ahead of Trump saw a rifle barrel sticking out of bushes by the perimeter fence and fired several shots, prompting the gunman to drop his "AK-27-style" rifle and flee in his car, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters. Police apprehended the suspected gunman an hour later.
Who said what
The Secret Service "significantly bolstered" Trump's protective detail after coming under "intense criticism" for failing to stop a gunman from firing at him in July, The New York Times said. The "beefed-up detail" may have "played a role" in foiling this plot, but "urgent problems" clearly remain "unresolved." The reported suspect, Ryan Routh, 58, is a self-employed builder with a criminal record and social media posts suggesting he's a soured former Trump supporter.
Bradshaw said the gunman was about 400-500 meters from Trump, which is "not a long distance" with the rifle and targeting scope found at the scene. Because Trump isn't president, "security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible," he said, and though the agents "did a fantastic job," the next time Trump uses the course, "there will probably be a little more people around the perimeter." The Secret Service has "long viewed" golf courses as a "vulnerability," The Wall Street Journal said. The risks are "especially pronounced with Trump," who golfs often and mostly at "courses he owns."
Trump said in a fundraising email yesterday that "nothing will slow me down" and "I will never surrender!" Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, condemned all "political violence." Harris said she was "deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt" and is "thankful" Trump "is safe."
What next?
Trump has not announced any changes to his schedule. Biden said, and Harris reiterated, that the White House would "continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president's continued safety."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Today's political cartoons - December 21, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - losing it, pedal to the metal, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Three fun, festive activities to make the magic happen this Christmas Day
Inspire your children to help set the table, stage a pantomime and write thank-you letters this Christmas!
By The Week Junior Published
-
The best books of 2024 to give this Christmas
The Week Recommends From Percival Everett to Rachel Clarke these are the critics' favourite books from 2024
By The Week UK Published
-
'All too often, we get caught up in tunnel vision'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Georgia DA Fani Willis removed from Trump case
Speed Read Willis had been prosecuting the election interference case against the president-elect
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats blame 'President Musk' for looming shutdown
Speed Read The House of Representatives rejected a spending package that would've funding the government into 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Does Trump have the power to end birthright citizenship?
Today's Big Question He couldn't do so easily, but it may be a battle he considers worth waging
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Trump, Musk sink spending bill, teeing up shutdown
Speed Read House Republicans abandoned the bill at the behest of the two men
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Elon Musk about to disrupt British politics?
Today's big question Mar-a-Lago talks between billionaire and Nigel Farage prompt calls for change on how political parties are funded
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will California's EV mandate survive Trump, SCOTUS challenge?
Today's Big Question The Golden State's climate goal faces big obstacles
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'Underneath the noise, however, there's an existential crisis'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published