Trump is safe after multiple shots were fired on Sunday near his golf course in West Palm Beach, according to two sources briefed on the incident.
The shots originated outside the fence line of the course, the sources told Reuters.
The Associated Press cited two law enforcement officials as saying US Secret Service agents opened fire after seeing a person with a firearm near Trump's golf club while the presidential candidate was golfing.
The person fled in an SUV and was later apprehended in a nearby county by local law enforcement, the officials said.
Trump's campaign had earlier said in a statement he was safe following gunshots in his vicinity but gave no details.
PBSO — Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) @PBCountySheriff and Secret Service will hold a media briefing shortly with additional details. https://t.co/aKEhZaTBiHSeptember 15, 2024
The Secret Service said it was investigating the incident, which occurred shortly before 2pm.
Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, cited local law enforcement as saying an AK-47 automatic weapon had been discovered in bushes and a suspect has been apprehended, according to a post on X.
Trump was injured in an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13, just months ahead of what looks likely to be highly contested November 5 election in which he will be pitted against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Again folks! — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) SHOTS FIRED at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.An AK-47 was discovered in the bushes, per local law enforcement. The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe.A suspect has reportedly been apprehended. pic.twitter.com/FwRfrO3v6ySeptember 15, 2024
The first shooting of a US president or major party presidential candidate in more than four decades was a glaring security lapse that forced Kimberly Cheatle to resign as Secret Service director under bipartisan congressional pressure.
Trump was grazed in the right ear and one rally-goer was killed in the gunfire.
I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 15, 2024
The gunman, identified as a 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
The White House said in a statement that US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed about the incident and were "relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team".
with AP
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