By Gram Slattery and David Ljunggren
(Reuters) -Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was secure after what the FBI mentioned gave the impression to be an assassination try on Sunday outdoors Trump’s golf course in West Palm Seaside, Florida.
Regulation enforcement officers instructed a information convention that they apprehended a suspect who was noticed by U.S. Secret Service brokers with an AK-47-style assault rifle outdoors the Trump Nationwide Golf Course. Secret Service brokers fired pictures, and the suspect fled in a black SUV.
“The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump,” the company mentioned in a press release.
Trump’s marketing campaign had earlier mentioned he was secure following gunshots in his neighborhood however gave no particulars.
The Secret Service mentioned it was investigating the incident, which occurred round 1:30 p.m. (1730 GMT).
Trump despatched an e-mail to his fundraising record saying there have been “gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” in line with an e-mail seen by Reuters.
Trump was injured in an assassination try in Pennsylvania on July 13, elevating questions on safety for candidates simply months forward of what appears to be like more likely to be extremely contested Nov. 5 election by which he’ll face off in opposition to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
The White Home mentioned in a press release that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed concerning the incident and have been relieved to know that he’s secure.
“Violence has no place in America,” Harris mentioned in an X social media put up.
The Washington Publish mentioned Trump had been {golfing} on the course when the incident occurred. Secret Service brokers took him to a holding room on the membership, it mentioned, citing two individuals briefed on what had occurred.
Trump marketing campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
The primary taking pictures of a U.S. president or main social gathering presidential candidate in additional than 4 many years was a obvious safety lapse that compelled Kimberly Cheatle to resign as Secret Service director below bipartisan congressional strain.
Trump was grazed in the appropriate ear and one rallygoer was killed within the gunfire. The gunman, recognized as a 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper.
The U.S. Secret Service’s new performing director mentioned in August that he was “ashamed” of a safety lapse that led to the assassination try.