On Sunday, September 15, at 1:30 PM local time, shots were fired at former President Donald Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump was golfing on the course, and his security detail spotted a man with a gun; the man fled when spotted, and the Secret Service fired at him as he attempted to escape. The former president was unharmed. This is being treated as the second attempt on Trump’s life in the last two months by law enforcement.
In the wake of the event, serious concerns are being raised regarding both the tenor of political rhetoric and the details of Trump’s security arrangements. Here’s what we know about the incident and, more importantly, what we don’t.
A Timeline of Events
At roughly 1:30 PM Eastern, a member of Trump’s security detail spotted a man poking a rifle barrel through a nearby fence. The potential shooter’s position was within 300 to 500 yards of the former president.
Secret Service fired shots at the gunman, who then fled the scene in his car and was subsequently arrested nearby without further incident.
The potential shooter, now identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was reportedly calm when taken into custody, and according to the arresting officer, Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, appeared "detached and unbothered" and did not question why he was being arrested.
Investigating the scene, law enforcement discovered an AK-47 rifle, a GoPro camera mounted to the fence, and two backpacks containing ceramic tiles (such tiles are often used in “bullet-proofing”).
Ryan Routh has been officially identified as the potential shooter and remains in custody. He currently lives in Hawaii but is originally from North Carolina. The 58-year-old was reportedly involved in plans to recruit mercenaries for the war in Ukraine and was interviewed by both Newsweek and the New York Times over his efforts.
In the wake of the arrest, Trump posted, “I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God! But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us. I will not stop fighting for you. I will Never Surrender! I will always love you for supporting me. Through our UNITY we will Make America Great Again!”
Security Issues
An investigation is underway into the attempted attack, both at the federal and state levels. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted in the aftermath that “The State of Florida will be conducting its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club.” He continued, “The people deserve the truth about the would be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee.”
Ric Bradshaw, the Palm Beach County sheriff, said that if Trump had been the sitting president, the entire golf course would have been lined with law enforcement. However, because he is not, “security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible.” “I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there will probably be a little more people around the perimeter,” Bradshaw said. “But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.”
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Notably, after the July 13 assassination attempt, efforts were made to close off roads around the golf course, but these were withdrawn after complaints by local residents.
Since that shooting, just two months ago, the Secret Service has been criticized for failing in its duty to protect the former president. Trump’s outdoor campaign rallies now take place behind a screen of bulletproof glass, and operational security is reportedly at a heightened level.
And yet, another gunman was able to get close to Donald Trump, raising concerns that the service either does not have the necessary resources or that such resources are not being effectively utilized.
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) publicly asked the Secret Service to tell Congress “what resources are needed to expand the protective perimeter” around Trump. He added that his congressional colleagues should then “allocate it in a bipartisan vote the same day.” “Two assassination attempts in 60 days on a former President & the Republican nominee is unacceptable,” he wrote.
Responses
Donald Trump took to his TruthSocial network early Monday morning to thank law enforcement. He wrote:
“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes - It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
House Speaker Mike Johnson was in Florida on Sunday and met with the former president. On social media, he wrote, "No leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient. He is unstoppable."
Shortly after the incident, President Biden released a statement saying he was “relieved” that Trump was “unharmed.” The message continued, “As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
Moving Towards Election Day
Less than 50 days out from the presidential election, both major party candidates will be crisscrossing the nation in a last-minute effort to garner support. Their schedules will be subject to change – so too will their security needs. While Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden praised the efforts of the Secret Service, the agency will be under increased scrutiny in the days and weeks ahead.
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