Editor-DN
Trump was playing golf when the shots rang out. (file)
Florida:
The Republican presidential candidate’s team said today that Donald Trump is safe after shots were fired in his neighborhood. “President Trump is safe following the gunshots in his vicinity. There are no further details at this time,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.
The shooting happened at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The New York Times reported, citing local law enforcement officials, that a “person of interest” had been taken into custody along with the weapon.
According to multiple media reports, Trump was playing golf when the gunshots were heard. Trump was accompanied by his Secret Service security detail when the shots were fired.
It was not clear who the shooter or shooters were or what their motive was. There was no immediate indication that Trump had been targeted. Media outlet CNN, citing its sources at the security agency, reported that officials believe the shots at the golf club were actually intended for Trump.
Donald Trump Jr., the son of the former US president, said authorities also found an AK-47 rifle in the bushes very close to where Trump was leaving.
“Again guys! Shots fired at the Trump golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to local law enforcement, an AK-47 was discovered in the bushes,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). said
Once again guys!
A shooting took place at the Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to local law enforcement, an AK-47 was discovered in the bushes. The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming that former President Trump is safe.
A suspect has reportedly been arrested. pic.twitter.com/FwRfrO3v6y
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 15, 2024
The White House immediately issued a statement saying that both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic challenger in the November election, had been notified of the incident.
“They are glad to know that he is safe,” the statement said.
The shooting comes just two months after the former president was wounded in the ear when a gunman opened fire during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting presidents, former presidents and other dignitaries, faced criticism after the Pennsylvania incident.
The agency’s head, Kimberly Chettle, resigned amid the ensuing scrutiny, and at least five Secret Service agents were placed on administrative leave.
