FBI Labels Shooting Near Trump's Palm Beach Golf Course as Attempted Assassination

Shooting Near Trump’s Palm Beach Golf Course Investigated as Attempted Assassination

The FBI has classified a shooting near former President Donald Trump’s golf club in Palm Beach as an attempted assassination. On Sunday afternoon, the U.S. Secret Service confirmed a "protective incident" involving Trump, who was reported safe. The shooting occurred close to Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, with no injuries reported.

Around 1:30 p.m., Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw announced that the Secret Service had reported gunfire near the golf course. Deputies and agents found an AK-47 equipped with a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro in nearby bushes. Investigators are currently processing these items. At the time of the incident, Trump was approximately 300 to 500 yards from where the weapon was discovered. Bradshaw expressed concerns about the weapon's scope, noting its potential threat.

A witness identified the suspect as a man seen in the bushes, who was later seen fleeing in a black Nissan. The witness provided authorities with a photo of the vehicle and its license plate. According to Bradshaw, the Secret Service's response was commendable, leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.

Federal agents engaged the shooter, who was reportedly only a few holes away from Trump. Security measures have been heightened due to the elevated threat level.

The FBI, led by Special Agent Jeffrey Veltri from the Miami Field Office, is spearheading the investigation. Veltri has urged the public to avoid the area and to provide any information to the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI or tips.fbi.gov.

The suspect remains in custody, with prosecutors working on obtaining search warrants and planning to keep the individual in jail pending trial. Details on potential charges are yet to be determined.

Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder confirmed that the suspect was apprehended after being pulled over on Interstate 95, though he was not armed at the time of his arrest. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, are at the scene, leading to road closures on I-95.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the incident and expressed relief that Trump is safe.