Law enforcement officials said U.S. Secret Service agents spotted and opened fire on a man hiding in bushes near the property line, wielding an AK-47-style assault rifle.
The New York Times and Fox News identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials.
Police cordon off the scene outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday. Photo: Marco Bello/Reuters
After spotting the rifle barrel about 400 to 500 yards (365 to 457 meters) from Mr. Trump as they were screening for potential threats before he played golf, agents engaged the gunman and fired at least four rounds around 1:30 p.m. Sunday local time, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a news conference.
The gunman then abandoned the rifle, two backpacks and other items and fled in a black Nissan. A witness saw the gunman and took a photo of the car and its license plate. “The Secret Service did exactly what they were supposed to do,” Bradshaw added.
After the suspect fled the scene, law enforcement officials said they sent out an alert to agencies across the state with information about the suspect's vehicle, leading to sheriff's deputies in neighboring Martin County apprehending the suspect on I-95. "We have a subject in custody right now," Bradshaw said.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw released a photo showing a rifle and other items found near the hideout. Photo: Getty
Mr Trump sent an email to his fundraising organisation saying “there were gunshots fired near me, but before the rumors spread out of control, I want you to hear this first: I am safe and well!”
Mr Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while campaigning in Pennsylvania on July 13, when a gunman hiding on a rooftop shot him past the ear. The incident shocked the US ahead of the country’s election later this year.
The White House said in a statement that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Mr Trump's rivals in the race for the White House, had been informed of the incident and were relieved to learn that Mr Trump was safe.
Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance, said he spoke to Trump after the shooting and that the former US President was in good spirits.
Hoang Anh (according to NYT, Fox News, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-lai-bi-am-sat-hut-nghi-pham-bi-bat-giu-post312525.html
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