Donald Trump, the former president and Republican presidential candidate, was involved in a second assassination attempt while playing golf at his own golf course in Florida. Although Trump was unharmed, this marks the second assassination attempt within two months, following the shooting incident during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July.
According to the Secret Service (SS), responsible for Trump's security, and local police, a shooting occurred on the afternoon of the 15th (local time) near the Trump-owned "Trump International Golf Club" in West Palm Beach, Florida. Judicial authorities reported that while Trump was playing golf, a Secret Service agent spotted an armed suspect outside the golf course and opened fire.
A man aimed the muzzle of an AK-47 type rifle through the fence and bushes surrounding the golf course. The Secret Service agent, who was one or two holes ahead of Trump for security purposes, detected the threat and responded. The suspect dropped the rifle after the agent fired and fled in a sport utility vehicle (SUV).
He was arrested by police on a highway in Martin County, north of Palm Beach County where the golf course is located. Two backpacks containing an AK-47 type rifle equipped with a scope and ceramic tiles were found in the bushes where the suspect had been. A GoPro camera, apparently for recording the scene, was also discovered.
According to The New York Times, the assassination attempt suspect is a 58-year-old man from Hawaii. The motive for the crime remains unknown.
If the suspect is found to be connected to political circles or external forces, significant repercussions are expected. After the assassination attempt on Trump last July, U.S. authorities revealed that they had obtained intelligence about an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump and subsequently increased his security measures.
The White House stated that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident and expressed relief that Trump was safe. This shooting occurred about two months after the previous assassination attempt on Trump.
On July 13, Trump was injured by a gunshot to the upper part of his right ear during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Investigators classified the incident as an assassination attempt. Immediately after the shooting, Trump sent an email to his supporters assuring them of his safety, stating, "Nothing will slow me down. I will never give up."
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