Former US President and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump survived what the FBI is calling an “attempted assassination” on Sunday, marking the second attempt on his life in less than two months. The latest attempt occurred while Trump was playing golf at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, as Secret Service agents thwarted the potential attack, ultimately arresting the suspect.
The gunman, identified by law enforcement as Ryan Roth, was spotted by Secret Service agents hiding in shrubbery along the golf course, approximately 400 yards from Trump. Agents noticed the muzzle of a rifle protruding from the bushes and swiftly took action, firing at the suspect. Roth dropped his firearm and fled in an SUV, leaving behind vital equipment, including two backpacks, a GoPro camera, and a rifle scope used for aiming. A coordinated effort by the FBI, Secret Service, and local police resulted in his arrest in a neighboring county shortly after the incident.
Sheriff William Snyder, who helped lead the arrest, noted Roth’s calm demeanor upon being apprehended. “He showed little emotion and never asked why he was being stopped,” Snyder said in a press briefing. Roth is now under FBI investigation as the bureau probes this latest assassination attempt.
This is the second such attempt on Trump’s life in recent months. On July 13, Trump was shot at during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear. This previous incident came just eight days before President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, clearing the path for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
Despite the close call, Trump remains resolute in his campaign. In a statement following Sunday’s assassination attempt, Trump assured his supporters of his safety, writing, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL.” He emphasized that “nothing will slow me down” and vowed, “I will NEVER SURRENDER.”
Reports indicate that Trump had been golfing with his friend, businessman Steve Witkoff, when the shots were fired. Fox News host Sean Hannity shared on air that Trump and Witkoff recounted hearing “pop pop, pop pop” sounds, at which point Secret Service agents “pounced on” Trump, shielding him from harm.
The White House expressed relief over Trump’s safety. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent in the 2024 race, condemned the incident, saying, “Violence has no place in America”. She extended her well wishes to Trump and his family while reaffirming her commitment to a peaceful election process.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are scrutinizing Roth’s motives and potential affiliations. The FBI has labeled the case a top priority and further updates are expected as the probe deepens.
For now, Trump remains undeterred, continuing his campaign for the 2024 US presidential election while security around him is being tightened.
(With agency inputs)
