Donald Trump is safe after shots were fired near his home, the Republican presidential candidate’s team said today. “President Trump is safe after shots were fired near his home. There are no further details at this time,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
The shooting took place at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The New York Times quoted local law enforcement officials as saying that a “man was taken into custody with a weapon.”
According to several media reports, Trump was playing golf when the gunshots were heard. Trump was accompanied by his Secret Service security personnel when the shots were fired.
It was unclear who the shooter or shooters were, or what their motive was. There was no immediate indication that Trump was targeted. Media outlet CNN, citing its sources at the security agency, reported that officials believe the shots fired at the golf club were indeed aimed at Trump.
Donald Trump Jr, the former US president’s son, said authorities also found an AK-47 rifle in bushes very close to where Trump was leaving.
“Hey guys, again! Shooting at the Trump golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to the local police enforcer, an AK-47 was found in the bushes,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Again friends!
Shooting took place at the Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to local police officials, an AK-47 has been recovered from the bushes. The Trump campaign has issued a statement confirming that former President Trump is safe.
It is reported that a suspect has been arrested. pic.twitter.com/FwRfrO3v6y
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 15, 2024
The White House quickly issued a statement saying that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival in the November elections, had both been briefed on the incident.
“They are relieved to know that he is safe,” the statement said.
The shooting comes just two months after the former president suffered an ear injury when a gunman opened fire during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania.
The US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting presidents, former presidents and other dignitaries, faced criticism following the Pennsylvania incident.
The investigation led to the resignation of agency head Kimberly Cheatle and the placement of at least five Secret Service agents on administrative leave.
