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Timeline of Donald Trump’s golf course assassination attempt

Timeline of Donald Trump’s golf course assassination attempt

New details continue to emerge in the FBI’s ongoing investigation into the apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The incident on Sunday comes just nine weeks after the attempted assassination of the former president in July.

Below is a timeline detailing how events unfolded.

Sunday September 15

Around 1:59 a.m., the suspect’s phone appeared near the scene.

Phone records indicate that suspect Ryan Wesley Routh’s mobile device was located near the tree line at Trump International Golf Club from approximately 1:59 a.m. to approximately 1:31 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

At around 1:31 p.m., the secret services spotted a rifle and fired shots.

A Secret Service special agent was walking the perimeter of the golf club where Trump was playing golf when he spotted a rifle sticking out of the tree line at 1:31 p.m., according to the criminal complaint. Authorities confirmed that Trump was “one or two” holes behind the alleged shooter — about 300 to 500 yards away — and the Secret Service fired four to six shots before the suspect fled.

At approximately 2:14 p.m., the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

A witness had previously told authorities he saw someone emerge from the bushes before providing information about the suspect’s vehicle. Authorities later located the suspect’s vehicle traveling northbound on I-95, and Martin County units conducted a traffic stop around 2:14 p.m., according to the complaint. The suspect was handcuffed outside the vehicle, and the witness was transported to the scene to identify the suspect, according to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder.

RELATED: What We Know About Trump ‘Assassination Attempt’ Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh

Photo of Routh after his detention by authorities in Florida.

Martin County Sheriff’s Office

Shortly before 2:40 p.m., Trump’s spokesman confirmed that he was safe and sound.

Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, confirmed that Trump was safe “following gunfire nearby.”

Shortly before 3:30 p.m., the White House confirmed the awareness

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have both been briefed on the incident and are “relieved to know that (Asset) is safe.”

3:42 p.m. Harris expresses support

On X, Harris said she was “glad” Trump was safe and that “violence has no place in America.”

3:57 p.m. Trump confirms his well-being

In a Trump campaign fundraising email, Trump said he was safe, and promised that “nothing will slow him down.” (him) “on the ground” and that he “will NEVER surrender!”

Around 4:09 p.m., Trump’s motorcade heads toward Mar-a-Lago

Trump’s motorcade was seen heading toward Mar-a-Lago, according to the pool camera.

At around 4:40 p.m., the incident was confirmed and was investigated as attempted murder.

The FBI released a statement confirming that it is “investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”

At 5 p.m., authorities released photos of the scene.

At a 5 p.m. news conference, authorities released photos of the suspect’s gear. They said he had a loaded 7.62×39 SKS-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks, one with a ceramic tile, and a GoPro camera. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw initially described the weapon found in the tree line as an AK-47-style rifle.

5:21 p.m. Vance sends a prayer of gratitude

Senator JD Vance revealed on X that he spoke to Trump before the news broke, and that he said he was in “incredibly good spirits.” He added that he would send a prayer of gratitude.

5:51 p.m. Walz highlights Harris’ support

After reposting Harris’ tweet, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued his own X-rated statement that read, “Gwen and I are pleased to hear that Donald Trump is safe and well. Violence has no place in our country. It is not part of our nation.”

Around 6:30 p.m., lawmakers request a briefing with U.S. intelligence

Reps. Mike Kelly and Jason Crow, who are among the lawmakers investigating the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump, confirm they have requested a briefing with the U.S. Secret Service to learn the details of the incident and how the response unfolded.

Shortly before 6:40 p.m., Trump reiterated his determination

In another fundraising email, Trump said his “resolve is only stronger after another attempt to (her) life.”

Around 10 p.m., ABC News obtained the name of the suspect.

Sources identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58. Routh has a lengthy criminal record, including a 2002 conviction for possession of a weapon of mass destruction, as well as numerous social media profiles that are currently under investigation.

Law enforcement officers work outside Trump International Golf Club following the apparent assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Law enforcement officers work outside Donald Trump’s Trump International Golf Club after an apparent assassination attempt, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Monday September 16

At 1:41 a.m., Elon Musk deletes controversial Biden-Harris administration tweet

In a since-deleted tweet, Musk wrote: “And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Harris.” In a statement later Monday, the White House said Musk’s rhetoric was “irresponsible” and that violence should “never be encouraged or joked about.”

At around 8:52 a.m., Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. arrives to meet with Trump.

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. arrived at Trump International Golf Club, as seen on poolside camera, where he was scheduled to meet with Trump and brief the former president on the assassination attempt.

Around 9:21 a.m., Biden says Secret Service ‘needs more help’

Biden told reporters: “The (Secret) The services need more help, and I think Congress should address their needs, if in fact they need more military personnel.” Later Monday, Biden added: “I have always condemned political violence, and I always will.”

Before 10am, Trump blames incident on Biden and Harris’ ‘rhetoric’

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the suspect “believed the rhetoric of Biden and Harris, and he acted on it” and that “their rhetoric is the root of (him) to be shot.”

At approximately 10:36 a.m., the suspect appeared in federal court and charges were filed.

Routh appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach on Monday and was charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, according to the complaint. The charges are considered the first step by federal prosecutors in the early stages of the investigation. He has not yet entered a plea.

At approximately 11:26 a.m., the suspect left the federal courthouse.

Routh left the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach in a van. He is scheduled to be remanded in custody next Monday and his court appearance is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30.

ABC News’ Pierre Thomas, Katherine Faulders, Alexander Mallin, Soo Rin Kim, Michelle Stoddart, Lalee Ibssa, Jack Date, Luke Barr, Molly Nagle, Selina Wang, Lauren Peller and Kelsey Walsh contributed to this report.

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