Former President Donald Trump had a close call while golfing in Florida as shots rang out nearby, leading to a swift and intense response from the Secret Service.
- September 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Former President Donald Trump was reported "safe" by his campaign communications director Steven Cheung after multiple gunshots were fired near his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 15, at Trump International Golf Club, where Trump was playing at the time.
The Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are investigating the event. According to Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the Secret Service, the former president is unharmed.
Guglielmi stated, "The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m."
There were conflicting reports of the gunfire's nature, with sources telling CNN that the shots were intended for Trump while sources from The New York Post suggested it was an exchange of gunfire between two individuals and that Trump was never in danger.
The situation grew tense when law enforcement sources reported that Secret Service agents had spotted a man with an AK-47 near the golf course. Upon noticing the individual, Secret Service agents opened fire. The shooter was later arrested on I-95 by local police. An agent had fired multiple times, but the motives of the gunman remain unclear.
The Trump campaign, headquartered in West Palm Beach, went into lockdown during the incident.
This shooting comes nearly two months after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he sustained an ear injury. The Secret Service, criticized following the July attempt, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the former president's safety. Secret service director resigned following the shooting.
In the wake of the second incident, the White House issued a statement assuring that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are being kept updated on the situation and are relieved to know Trump is safe.
Many including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressed relief and admiration for Trump's resilience. Graham wrote, "He is one of the strongest people I've ever known. He's in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country."
