Trump safe after ‘assassination attempt’ on Florida golf course

Former US President Donald Trump is safe after an apparent assassination attempt in Florida on Sunday, according to reports, the incident coming two months after the Republican presidential candidate was lightly injured in a shooting at a campaign rally.

Trump’s campaign office said shots were fired near Trump as he was golfing. The Secret Service said agents opened fire on a person who was within the perimeter of the compound before 2 p.m.

Police officers direct traffic near the Trump International Golf Club after the apparent assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024. (AP/Kyodo)

The Associated Press said the FBI believed Trump was the target of another “assassination attempt” and that agents shot a man who was aiming a rifle with a scope while Trump was on the course.

Authorities arrested “a person of interest” in connection with the incident and seized a rifle, according to reports.

Trump said in a message to his supporters: “I am safe and sound, and no one was hurt.”

Local investigators in Florida said the suspect was about 370 to 460 yards from Trump when officers fired.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles on September 13, 2024, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. (Getty/Kyodo)

The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic presidential rival, were relieved to hear that Trump was safe.

On July 13, Trump was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

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