Special Poll
The FBI is currently investigating what it describes as a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Shots were reportedly fired near Trump, but his campaign has confirmed that he is safe.
While details of the incident are still emerging, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the Secret Service fired shots at an individual they perceived as a threat near Trump’s location in Florida. According to AP sources, a man armed with an AK-style rifle approached the perimeter of the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach. The man allegedly pointed the weapon through the perimeter, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire. The suspect then dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV. He was later apprehended in a nearby county.
The Secret Service is expected to provide more information in a media briefing later today. In the meantime, Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, confirmed on the social platform X (formerly Twitter) that they are working closely with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the incident, which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday. He also confirmed that Trump was unharmed.
The Trump campaign wasted no time reassuring supporters, sending out a fundraising email with the subject line, “I am safe and well!” In the email, Trump reassured his followers, stating, “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! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER.”
Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were quickly briefed on the situation, according to a White House report. Harris also expressed relief, saying on X that “Violence has no place in America” and adding that she is “glad” Trump is safe.
This incident follows a prior assassination attempt in July, when Trump was shot while speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from a nearby rooftop, striking Trump in the ear and killing a spectator. Two others were injured but later released from the hospital. Crooks was fatally shot by law enforcement shortly after the attack.
The July incident raised questions about the Secret Service’s preparedness, leading to criticism of their handling of Trump’s security. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after facing intense scrutiny from Congress in the wake of that assassination attempt. The Justice Department is still investigating that incident through the FBI.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) shared that he spoke with Trump after Sunday’s reported gunshots and said the former president is “in good spirits” and more determined than ever to continue his political efforts. “He’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” Graham wrote on X. “He’s more resolved than ever to save our country.”
The investigation into the latest incident continues, with more details expected as the day unfolds.