Investigation underway after shots fired at Donald Trump’s golf course, suspected assassination attempt by FBI | US News

Reports indicate that there was an “apparent assassination attempt” on Donald Trump at his golf club in Florida.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, confirmed he was unhurt after gunshots rang out near him while he was playing at his Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach on Sunday afternoon.

The US Secret Service fired shots after spotting an individual with a firearm.

Get the latest on the election: Trump ‘safe’ after ‘gunshots in his vicinity’

A suspect was apprehended later, and authorities recovered an AK-47-style assault rifle, a scope, two backpacks, and a GoPro device at the scene, according to Palm Beach County sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

What is known so far?

In a statement released by the Trump campaign at 7:30 pm UK time, it was confirmed that Mr. Trump was unharmed after the incident.

It is reported that Mr. Trump was in the middle of a round of golf at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach when the gunshots were heard.

The FBI is currently investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of the former President Trump.

Sheriff Bradshaw revealed that the gunman was positioned 400 to 500 yards from Trump, concealed in shrubbery near where the former president was playing golf.

Authorities are still unsure if the suspect fired any shots, or if it was only the Secret Service who discharged their weapons.

Police took action to apprehend the suspect

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder reported that authorities caught up with the suspect on a highway as they attempted to flee the scene in an SUV.

The individual is believed to be the same person seen with a weapon outside the golf course premises.

Sheriff Snyder mentioned that his officers tracked the suspect’s vehicle until performing a “felony stop.”

“We monitored the vehicle for a while before stopping it. We avoided a high-speed chase,” he explained.

“We waited until we had enough units, surrounded the vehicle, and brought it to a halt.”

A witness described seeing numerous police vehicles rushing to the scene outside Mr. Trump’s golf club.

Max Egusquiza, an eyewitness, recounted, “I observed at least five unmarked black SUVs blocking a grey Mercedes in front of the golf course.”

He added, “There were over 20 police cars speeding from nearby streets to the area.”

Following the incident, Mr. Trump was escorted back to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

Statements from Trump

In a fundraising email sent afterwards, Trump assured supporters of his safety.

The email read, “Gunshots were fired near me, but before rumors spread, I want to tell you first: I AM SAFE AND SOUND!”

“Nothing will derail me. I will NEVER GIVE UP! Thank you for standing by me.

“Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you.”

Senator Lindsey Graham also reassured the public after speaking with Trump.

“He’s in good spirits and remains resolute in his mission to preserve our nation,” said Mr. Graham, a close congressional ally of Trump.

Response from the White House

In a statement released shortly after news of the “apparent attempted assassination” circulated, the White House commented, “The President and Vice President have received updates on the security situation at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was on the golf course.

“They are relieved to hear of his safety and will continue to be kept informed by their team.”

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee for Vice President, expressed relief that Mr. Trump was unharmed after the gunshots were heard “in his vicinity”.

In a statement, she said, “Violence should have no place in America.”