UPDATE 2 - Former US President Trump is 'safe' following gunshots near him in Florida

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By Diyar Guldogan and Esra Tekin

WASHINGTON / ISTANBUL (AA) – Former US President Donald Trump is "safe" after gunshots were heard outside his location in Florida, his presidential campaign spokesman said on Sunday.

"President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time," said Steven Cheung, Trump's campaign communications director.

The statement came right after the reports that two people exchanged gunfire outside his Florida golf club.

The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. local time (1800 GMT), Chief of Communications for the US Secret Service Anthony Guglielmi said on X.

He added that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will have more details soon.

- Biden, Harris briefed on security incident

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was playing golf, the White House said.

"They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team," it added.

Harris said she has been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida.

"I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America," she said on X.

Trump's son Donald Trump Jr., said that an AK-47 automatic weapon was discovered in bushes, citing the local law enforcement.

"The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe. A suspect has reportedly been apprehended," he said on X.

Separately, US Senator Lindsey Graham said he had just spoken with 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 said on X.

Earlier, Trump was injured in an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, a lone 20-year-old gunman, opened fire on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler County, grazing his right ear. Reports afterwards suggested Trump had coincidentally turned his body when the gun was fired, perhaps averting a much more serious injury.

The gunman killed one spectator and seriously injured two others. After opening fire, Crooks was killed at the scene by a Secret Service agent.