Trump safe after what FBI describes as apparent assassination attempt

The FBI on Sunday said it is investigating a second attempted assassination of former President Trump after gunshots were fired in his vicinity.

Trump’s campaign said the GOP nominee for president is safe, and the FBI said it is responding to the situation.

The nature of the incident was not clear, though the Associated Press reported that the Secret Service fired shots at someone seen as a potential threat in his vicinity in Florida.

A man with an AK-style rifle reportedly pushed the firearm’s muzzle through the permitter of the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, the AP reported, citing three law enforcement officials.

This prompted Secret Service officials to open fire and the man dropped the weapon and fled the scene in an SUV, the AP added. He was reportedly later apprehended in a neighboring county.

The statement did not provide any further information. A media briefing by Secret Service and local law enforcement is expected Sunday afternoon. 

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said on X the agency is working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in investigating a “protective incident” involving Trump shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday. He confirmed Trump is safe.

The Hill reached out to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, West Palm Police Department, Secret Service and the Trump Organization for further comment.

The Trump campaign sent out a fundraising email, titled “I am safe and well!” within hours of the incident. 

“ALERT FROM TRUMP. There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER. I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you ” the email read. 

Both President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed Sunday about the incident at Trump International Golf Course, according to a White House pool report. Trump was playing golf at the course in Palm Beach County, Fla. at the time of the incident, the pool report said. The course was quickly locked down, CNN reported, citing a source familiar.

“They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team,” the pool report stated.

Harris, in a post on X, said she is “glad” Trump is safe, writing, “Violence has no place in America.”

The incident comes nearly two months after Trump was shot in an attempted assassination on his life at a campaign rally in July.

Trump was speaking in Butler, Pa., on July 13 when the alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired bullets from a nearby roof, striking the former president’s ear and killing one spectator. Two other attendees who were injured have since been released from the hospital.

Crooks, 20, was fatally shot by authorities moments after the shooting.

The attempted assassination raised concerns over the Secret Service’s lack of preparedness to protect the former president.

The fallout over the Secret Service’s prep and response to the shooting prompted Director Kimberly Cheatle to resign in July following a disastrous appearance before Congress to review the incident.

The Justice Department, through the FBI, is investigating the July shooting.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday said he spoke with Trump following the reported gunshots. 

“He [Trump] is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” Graham wrote on X. “He’s in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country.”

Story was updated 5:20 p.m. ET