A sniper with a scoped AK-47 attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a golf outing in West Palm Beach, Florida, but was stopped by the Secret Service. The suspect, Ryan Routh, was arrested after fleeing the scene.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (2-minute read) — Former President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach golf club on Sunday. A sniper, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh from Hawaii, came dangerously close to the former president while he was playing golf. Armed with a scoped AK-47, Routh set up a sniper’s nest about 300 to 500 yards away from Trump, waiting for him to come into view.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the alarming details, explaining that such a distance with a scoped rifle is not far. Routh, who has a history of criminal charges, including carrying a concealed firearm and possessing a weapon of mass destruction, attempted to film the event with a GoPro camera he attached to a nearby fence.

This marked the second attempt on Trump’s life within two months, heightening security concerns around the former president. Law enforcement officials revealed that Routh had been vocal online about progressive causes and was a donor to Democratic candidates, adding a politically charged dimension to the incident. Routh’s criminal record from North Carolina added further concern about his potential for violence, with charges that included hit and run, concealed carry violations, and possession of dangerous weapons.

🚨 #BREAKING: Officials believe the shots fired at Trump International Golf Club were intended for former President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar on the matter (CNN)

THEY TRIED TO K*LL HIM AGAIN.

HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED TWICE NOW?

Why are people able to get within… pic.twitter.com/abDj6M7yvk

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 15, 2024

The assassination attempt began to unfold when a Secret Service agent spotted the suspect aiming his firearm through the fence near the Trump International Golf Course. The agent, positioned ahead of Trump on the course, immediately opened fire, causing the would-be assassin to flee. Despite a tense few moments, authorities were unsure if any shots were fired by the suspect.

In a stroke of luck, a vigilant bystander noticed Routh escaping into a black Nissan. The witness managed to photograph the suspect and quickly alerted law enforcement. This quick thinking allowed police to issue an alert across the state, which resulted in Routh’s capture along Interstate 95 shortly after the failed attack.

When authorities returned to the scene, they discovered that Routh had abandoned his rifle and left behind two backpacks. One of the bags contained ceramic tile, though the purpose of this is still under investigation.

Trump wasted no time in reassuring his supporters, releasing a statement soon after the incident to confirm his safety. He emphasized that while gunshots had occurred in his vicinity, he was unharmed and “safe and well.”

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in public spaces. Trust your instincts if something feels off, and avoid distractions like phones or headphones in areas with high security risks.