While Trump was playing golf, the barrel of a gun was noticed sticking out of the fences, and shots were immediately fired at the suspect. The suspect was 400-500 meters away from Trump. Thanks to eyewitness testimony, Ryan Wesley Routh was caught.
HE ALSO HAD AN ACTION CAMERA WITH HIM
According to AA, the suspect had 2 backpacks and an action camera. The suspect then left his gun and fled in his car. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder stated that the suspect did not have a gun on him when he was caught.
Former US President and Republican Party candidate for the 2024 presidential race Trump was reported safe after gunshots were heard near his location in Florida.
“President Trump is safe after gunshots were heard nearby. No further details at this time,” campaign communications director Steven Cheung said.
WHITE HOUSE: WE ARE RELIEVED THAT TRUMP IS SAFE
In a written statement from the White House, it was stated that US President Joe Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where Trump was playing golf, and that they were relieved to know that he was safe and that they would continue to receive regular information.
SUSPECT CAPTURED
The US Secret Service said in a statement that the incident occurred shortly before 14:00 local time and that an investigation has been launched. According to DHA, US media reported that Routh had posted posts criticizing Trump on social media and that he was the owner of a construction company in Hawaii.
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., posted on his social media account that an AK-47 automatic weapon was found in the bushes and the suspect was caught.
TRAVELLED AROUND THE WORLD TO SUPPORT UKRAINE
Ryan Routh said in an interview on March 7, 2023, that he had traveled the world to support Ukraine, but was particularly disappointed when his proposal to send Afghan soldiers to fight was rejected each time.
ACCUSED OF POSSESSING A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION
It was learned that Ryan Wesley Routh was also charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction more than 20 years ago.
“YOU ARE FREE TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP”
Routh has a book called “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War.” In the book, which he published with his own means in February of last year, Routh claims that he tried to join the war but was turned back at the Polish border. In one section of this book, Routh apologizes to Iran for the election of Trump, whom he calls “brainless,” in 2016: “I am also at fault. You are free to assassinate me or Trump for this mistaken decision.”
Donald Trump made the following statement on his social media account regarding the incident:
“I would like to thank everyone for your interest and well wishes. It has certainly been an interesting day. Most importantly, I would like to thank the United States Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his office of brave and dedicated patriots, and all law enforcement officers for the incredible job they did at Trump International to keep me safe as the 45th President of the United States and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election. The job was absolutely extraordinary. I am proud to be an American.”