Trump 'Safe' Following Apparent Assassination Attempt at Golf Course: Shots Fired – Key Details

Two months after a failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, another alleged attack was thwarted on Sunday at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump was unharmed, and authorities arrested a suspect who fled the scene. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from politicians, while law enforcement continues to investigate.

While former President Donald Trump was golfing around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, a Secret Service agent stationed one hole ahead noticed the barrel of a rifle emerging from bushes approximately 300-500 yards away, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during a press briefing. (For comparison, the shooter in the July incident had been around 400 feet away—roughly a third of the distance.)

As the Secret Service opened fire on the individual hiding in the bushes, the suspect abandoned his weapon—a scoped AK-47-style rifle—and two backpacks, which contained ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera, before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

A Secret Service spokesperson at the briefing said it remains unclear whether the suspect had fired any shots during the encounter.

While former President Donald Trump was playing golf around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, a Secret Service agent, positioned one hole ahead, spotted the barrel of a rifle protruding from the bushes about 300-500 yards away, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during a press conference. (In contrast, the July shooter had been positioned about 400 feet away, significantly closer.)

The Secret Service responded by firing at the suspect, who then dropped his weapon—a scoped AK-47-style rifle—along with two backpacks containing ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera, before escaping the area in a vehicle.

During the briefing, a Secret Service representative mentioned it was still unclear if the suspect had fired any shots during the incident.

In an email to his supporters, Trump stated: "There were gunshots near me, but before any rumors start spreading, I want you to hear it directly from me: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will stop me. I will NEVER SURRENDER!"

Following the incident, Trump headed back to Mar-a-Lago, his resort located approximately 4.5 miles from the golf course, according to the Associated Press.

Despite yet another apparent attempt on his life, Trump remained in "good spirits" on Sunday evening, according to social media posts from his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and supporter Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), both of whom said they had spoken with the former President.

CBS reported, citing close sources including family, friends, and advisors, that Trump was even joking about wishing he could have completed his round of golf. Fox News host Sean Hannity also shared that he spoke with Trump's golf partner, real estate investor Steve Witkoff, who noted that Trump made a point to thank the Secret Service agents present at the scene.

In an internal campaign email, the Trump team urged staff to "stay vigilant," according to the AP. "We do not take this situation lightly. Your safety remains our top priority," the message read. "As we approach the final 50 days of President Trump's campaign, we must remember that the only way to save America from those who wish to destroy it is by working together as one team."

In a Truth Social post on Sunday night, Trump expressed gratitude, saying: "Thank you all for your concern and kind words—it was certainly an eventful day! Most importantly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, his team of brave Patriots, and all law enforcement for their incredible work at Trump International today. They ensured my safety as the 45th President of the United States and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming election. Their performance was absolutely outstanding. I am proud to be an American!"

"No leader in American history has faced more attacks and remained as strong and resilient," House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) shared on X, adding, "He is unstoppable."

Hannity, addressing the situation on his show, called Sunday’s event "another security lapse." He also mentioned a conversation with Trump’s son Eric, who remarked, "How many more times can my father escape this? He can only avoid danger so many times."

‘People deserve the truth’: ongoing investigations

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi announced on X Sunday afternoon that the agency was “investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump.”

CNN reported that Trump had no public events scheduled for that day, with his golf game added to the itinerary at the last minute, sparking questions about how the assailant could have planned the attack. According to law enforcement sources cited by CNN, the FBI has launched an extensive investigation, including online activities that involved platforms based outside the U.S. However, no co-conspirators have been identified yet.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also took to X, stating that the state will carry out its own investigation into the matter. "The public deserves answers about this would-be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP candidate," DeSantis said, having endorsed Trump after their primary contest.

Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.), members of the congressional task force investigating the previous assassination attempt on Trump, released a joint statement indicating they have "requested a briefing with the U.S. Secret Service regarding the incident and the security response." They expressed relief that Trump was unharmed but voiced serious concerns about political violence, condemning it in all forms. They also committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) called on President Biden to "grant Trump the same level of security given to a sitting president to ensure his safety." Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, during Sunday’s press briefing, explained that one reason the entire golf course perimeter had not been secured was that Trump does not receive the same protection level as a sitting president, limiting security to areas the Secret Service deems feasible.

President Joe Biden, in a statement from the White House, praised the efforts of the Secret Service and law enforcement, expressing relief that Trump was unharmed. He emphasized that "there is no place for political violence or any form of violence in our country." Biden also mentioned that he has instructed his team to provide the Secret Service with all necessary resources and support to ensure the former President's ongoing safety.