Key Takeaways:
– Ex-President Donald Trump survived his second assassination attempt on Sunday, according to Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
– Trump heard the sounds of shots being fired while golfing at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.
– The Secret Service immediately protected Trump, covering him with their bodies, and ushered him to safety in a fast cart.
– Steve Witkoff, a major donor golfing with Trump at the time, spoke of the Ex-President individually thanking each Secret Service agent.
– The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was successfully tracked down and apprehended.
– This incident follows a previous assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July, during which he was grazed by a bullet.
Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped a second assassination attempt last Sunday while golfing at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. As reported by Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump heard rounds of shots being fired and the Secret Service took immediate action.
The Incident Unfolds
The events unfolded around 1:30 p.m. when a Secret Service agent, surveying the surroundings ahead, noticed the muzzle of what appeared to be an AK-47-style weapon emerging from nearby trees. The swift reaction by the Secret Service to shield Trump with their bodies and hastily move him to a secure location prevented a potentially life-threatening situation.
Trump’s Gratitude towards Secret Service
In the midst of the chaos and immediate evacuation, Trump’s primary concern was for the safety of others present. Upon receiving confirmation that there was no immediate danger, the former president expressed his gratitude towards the Secret Service agents. Trump, known for his love of golf, also bemoaned his inability to complete a birdie putt during the interrupted game.
Steve Witkoff, a major donor who was alongside Trump during the incident, recounted how Trump made it a point to thank each Secret Service agent personally.
Swift Apprehension of the Suspect
Law enforcement officials successfully identified and captured the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, using images provided by a witness. The authority used photos of the assailant’s vehicle and license plate to quickly locate and apprehend him. The incident currently remains under investigation with the motive yet to be determined.
Concerns for Trump’s Safety
Following an earlier assassination attempt in July where Trump was grazed by a bullet, this second incident raises serious questions about presidential safety. Hannity expressed his concerns about how easily a person with an AK-47 could get within shooting distance of a former president, especially with an election looming around the corner.
Eric Trump, the former president’s son, voiced his fears to Hannity about the recurring threats to his father’s life. “My father is running out of lives here. How many more rifles are going to be within assassination distance of my father?” he asked, revealing the very real worry for his father’s safety.
Hannity labeled the repeated threats against Trump as “disheartening”, “sad”, and “scary.” He emphasized the urgent need for better protective measures for former presidents or anyone who is a potential future presidential candidate.