Former President Donald Trump thanked law enforcement for their “incredible” response to what the FBI described as an assassination attempt at Trump’s golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday.
Multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News that Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested by Florida authorities in connection with the incident. Authorities are now investigating to obtain more details about the potential shooter.
“I want to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes. It was certainly an interesting day!” Trump said in a message on Truth Social.
“Most importantly, I want to thank the United States Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his office of courageous and dedicated patriots, and all law enforcement agencies for the incredible work they did today at Trump International to keep me safe as the 45th President of the United States and the Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election.”
“THE WORK DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!” he wrote.
Secret Service agents accompanying Trump shot a man armed with an AK-47-style rifle on or near the Trump International Golf Course on Sunday.
Secret Service and Homeland Security agents inspect the former home of a suspect identified by news agencies as Ryan W. Routh as the FBI investigates what they said was an apparent assassination attempt in Florida against Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S., September 15, 2024. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake
Jonathan Drake/Reuters
The incident comes about two months after Trump was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The FBI is investigating Sunday’s incident, calling it an “attempted assassination.” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a news conference Sunday afternoon that the shooter was 300 to 500 yards from Trump when he was spotted.
Secret Service agents shot him four to six times before he dropped his weapon and fled in a vehicle. Witnesses reported the license plate number to authorities, and the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
It is unclear whether the suspect was aiming at the former president. Officers shot the suspect after spotting his rifle through the fence, multiple sources told ABC News.
According to sources, three bullet casings believed to be related to the suspect’s AK-47 were recovered at the scene, but investigators have not yet determined whether the suspect fired his weapon. The rifle and two backpacks containing a GoPro camera and ceramic tiles were recovered at the scene, Bradshaw said.
Sources said Trump was immediately transported to a secure area on the golf course after the shooting.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 15: Law enforcement officers investigate the area around Trump International Golf Club after an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on September 15, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The FBI and U.S. Secret Service, along with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating the incident, which the FBI said “appears to be an assassination attempt on former President Trump” while he was playing golf at the course. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Authorities are currently investigating Routh’s background. The inmate is believed to have ties to North Carolina and Hawaii, sources said. Sources told ABC News that the FBI is conducting a thorough investigation into Routh’s social media activities, travel and possible criminal history. Friends, family members and associates are also being sought for interviews.
Sources familiar with the investigation said authorities were looking into whether Routh had any grievances related to Trump’s stance on Ukraine.
Authorities are expected to file charges in the coming days following the incident, sources told ABC News.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both condemned the apparent assassination attempt.
“As I have said repeatedly, there is no place for political violence or any other violence in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has all the resources, capabilities, and safeguards necessary to ensure the continued safety of the former president,” Biden said in a statement.
Bags hang from a fence above a rifle leaning against it, after the Secret Service foiled what the FBI called an apparent assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump as he played golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., September 15, 2024. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office/Handout via REUTERS.
Pbso/via Reuters
Harris said she was “grateful” that Trump was safe and “deeply troubled by the possible assassination attempt.”
“As we gather the facts, let me be clear: I condemn political violence. We must all do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to further violence,” Harris said.
ABC News’ Lalee Ibassa, Katherine Faulders, Aaron Katersky, Soo Rin Kim, Michelle Stoddart, Pierre Thomas, Rachel Scott, Jack Date, Leah Sarnoff, Kelsey Walsh and Luke Barr contributed to this report.
