US Secret Service thwarts assassination attempt on Trump at Florida golf club

An apparent assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump was thwarted at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15.

The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. when gunshots were fired near the property line, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

US Secret Service personnel responded immediately, opening fire on the gunman, according to Rafael Barros, the Secret Service special agent in charge of the Miami field office.

Trump, who had been golfing with donor Steve Witkoff at the time, was unharmed. In a statement issued shortly after, Trump reassured his supporters: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!”

This attempt comes just two months after another assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which had raised questions about the Secret Service's protective measures.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Ronald Rowe, acting director of the US Secret Service, is travelling to Florida to oversee the situation. A congressional task force that was already investigating the Pennsylvania assassination attempt is now seeking a briefing with the Secret Service on the latest incident.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both briefed on the situation, expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. In a statement, Biden reaffirmed his stance against political violence and emphasized the need for heightened security measures for the former president. Harris echoed this sentiment, condemning the attempt and stressing the importance of ensuring safety amid escalating political tensions.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, confirmed that the former president was in “good spirits” following the incident, while South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Trump remains "more resolved than ever" in his efforts to save the country.

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.