RECAP: Donald Trump survives second assassination attempt after FBI exchanges gunfire with suspect
Donald Trump has survived a second alleged assassination attempt after the FBI exchanged fire with a gunman armed with an AK-47 near his Florida golf course.
The alleged gunman, identified in US media as Ryan Wesley Routh, is now in custody.
The FBI said the suspect was in some bushes near the property line of the golf course when Secret Service agents, who were clearing holes ahead of where Trump was playing, spotted a rifle barrel in the bushes.
Agents engaged the gunman and fired at least four rounds of ammunition. The gunman then dropped his rifle, two backpacks and other items and fled in a black Nissan car.
A witness saw the gunman and managed to take photos of his car and licence plate.
Authorities then sent out an alert to statewide agencies with the information on the vehicle, which led to sheriff’s deputies in neighbouring Martin County apprehending the suspect on I-95.
Recap the day’s events by scrolling through the posts below.
Golf date a Senator did not mind missing
A Republican Senator has spoken out about his relief that Donald Trump is safe but also that he couldn’t make their golf date.
‘’It’s becoming a dangerous thing to play golf with the former President,’’ South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham told Fox News.
Graham and Trump are frequent golfing partners and Graham said that although he wasn’t on hand, Mr Trump called him to say he was OK and that at the time he was “2-under after five holes”.
Suspect’s son says he’s a ‘great man’
The son of Ryan Wesley Routh, the man being held over the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump, has released a statement saying he hopes it has been “blown out of proportion”.
Oran Routh says his father is a “great man”.
In a statement to CNN he said: “Ryan is my father, and I don’t have any comment beyond a character profile of him as a loving and caring father, and honest, hardworking man.
“I don’t know what’s happened in Florida, and I hope things have just been blown out of proportion, because from the little I’ve heard, it doesn’t sound like the man I know to do anything crazy, much less violent.
“He’s a good father, and a great man, and I hope you can portray him in an honest light.”
US President Joe Biden speaks about the shooting
I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today.
The White House has released a statement from President Joe Biden on the assassination attempt.
“A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe.
“I am relieved that the former President is unharmed.
“There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened.
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
About to putt and then ‘pop pop, pop pop’
The golfing partner of Donald Trump has spoken about the moment they heard gunshots.
Fox News host Sean Hannity said he has spoken with Donald Trump and his golf partner, Steve Witkoff.
Hannity said that they were on the fifth hole and were about to putt when they heard a “pop pop, pop pop”.
Witkoff told Hannity that Secret Service agents “pounced on” Trump and “covered him”.
Alleged shooter pictured
Pictures of alleged shooter Ryan Wesley Routh can be revealed, with one showing him in what appears to be a bullet-proof vest.
The pictures, from X, surfaced after US authorities named Mr Routh as the suspect.
Praise for the Secret Service
Associated Press are reproting that Trump campaign leaders have sent an email to staff to ensure them everyone is safe.
Senior campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wrote: “Thankfully, no one was injured at the Golf Course. President Trump and everyone accompanying him are safe thanks to the great work of the United States Secret Service.”
They added: “Safety is always our top priority” and asked staff to “remain vigilant” and “observant and maintain a constant level of situational awareness.”
Shooting an even round
Donald Trump showed great concern for all of his team and security officials after being rushed into his escape vehicle and was not happy about his golf game being interrupted.
Sean Hannity told Fox News: “Once Mr Trump realised everyone was safe he said we was not happy because he was shooting an even round and had a birdie putt coming up.”
Trump still doesn’t get full security
The security around former President Donald Trump is being questioned again after another assassination attempt.
“At this level he is still not the sitting President, but I would imagine the next time he comes for a round of golf there will be some more people around,” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told the press conference.
Car surrounded
Police surround a car suspected to be linked to the assassination attempt.
Albanese reacts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concern after US presidential candidate Donald Trump was targeted in another assassination attempt.
Speaking from Parliament House in Canberra, Mr Albanese said the incident was concerning.
“Everyone wants the democratic process to be peaceful and to be orderly,” Mr Albanese said.
“This incident in the United States is of concern.
“Again, it is good that President Trump has said that he is safe. It’s not quite clear all of those details (on the incident) but what is clear is that President Trump is safe.”
