Former President Donald Trump was rushed to safety on Sunday afternoon after Secret Service agents spotted a man with an AK-47 near his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The agents, responding to the threat, opened fire on the man, law enforcement sources revealed.
Trump was on the course at Trump International Golf Course at the time of the incident, around 2 p.m., playing several holes behind the location where the gunman was spotted. The man was identified by an advance team scouting ahead of the former president, the sources told The Post.
Unclear if Suspect Was on Course or Nearby
It remains uncertain whether the armed man was actually on the golf course or simply in its vicinity. Secret Service agents, acting swiftly, fired multiple shots at the suspect.
In a brief statement, Trump’s spokesman Steven Cheung confirmed the former president’s safety:
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Cheung said on Sunday afternoon.
Arrest Made on I-95
The man was later arrested by local police on I-95, a major highway running through Palm Beach County. His motives remain unknown, and investigators are working to determine whether he posed a direct threat to Trump.
This incident comes nearly two months after a previous assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot Trump, injuring him in the ear on July 13.
Senator Lindsey Graham Praises Trump’s Strength
Following news of the shooting, Sen. Lindsey Graham quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support for Trump.
“Just spoke with President Trump. 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,” Graham tweeted.
Secret Service Under Scrutiny
The Secret Service, which faced harsh criticism after the July assassination attempt, announced via X that it is investigating the “protective incident” involving Trump that occurred around 2 p.m. The agency said it is working closely with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office in the investigation.
Conflicting Initial Reports
Early reports suggested that two people might have been firing at each other, but sources now confirm that the only shots fired came from the Secret Service agent. The suspect’s motive is still under investigation.
White House Issues Statement
The White House responded quickly to the incident, issuing a statement that both President Biden and Vice President Harris had been briefed:
“The President and Vice President have been briefed about the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing. They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team.”
Trump’s golf course is located about five miles inland from Mar-a-Lago, the estate he has dubbed the “Winter White House.” The investigation into Sunday’s shooting is ongoing.
