UPDATE 6 - Trump safe after ‘assassination attempt’ in Florida; suspect arrested

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By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – Former US President and Republican nominee Donald Trump is “safe” after an apparent assassination attempt against him Sunday in Florida.

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

The statement came right after reports that gunshots were heard outside Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) saying it is investigating the incident as a possible assassination attempt on Trump.

"The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump," it said in a statement.

The incident occurred nearly two months after Trump was wounded during an assassination attempt on July 13, when Thomas Matthew Crooks, a lone 20-year-old gunman, opened fire on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, grazing his right ear.

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 (1800GMT), the Chief of Communications for the US Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, said on X.

Law enforcement officials told reporters that they apprehended a suspect who was spotted by US Secret Service agents with an AK-47-style assault rifle outside Trump’s golf club.

The US Secret Service personnel opened fire on the gunman located near the property line, said a Secret Service official.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the gunman then dropped his rifle, two backpacks and a GoPro video camera and fled in a black SUV.

The sheriff said a witness saw the gunman and managed to take photos of his car and license plate.

"We have somebody in custody right now that is a potential suspect," said Bradshaw.

He said that Trump was between 400-500 yards (365 to 457 meters) away from the gunman, who pointed a rifle through the fence at Trump's golf course.

The suspect was identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, The New York Times and Fox News reported, citing unnamed law enforcement officials.

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

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

- 'I AM SAFE AND WELL!'

Trump said in a statement that he is "safe."

"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!"

President Joe Biden and Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris have been briefed on the security incident at Trump International Golf Club, 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 running mate, JD Vance, expressed similar sentiments.

"I spoke to him before the news was public and he was, amazingly, in good spirits. Still much we don't know, but I'll be hugging my kids extra tight tonight and saying a prayer of gratitude," he said on X.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said he is "very grateful" that Trump is safe after another assassination attempt.

"There is no place for political violence in our country, and those responsible for it must be held to account. I hope and expect USSS (US Secret Service) and the FBI will conduct a thorough, swift, and transparent investigation," he said on X.

Speaker Mike Johnson said no leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained "so strong and resilient." "He is unstoppable," he said on X.

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.