Donald Trump Safe After Assassination Bid at Golf Club, Suspect Arrested With AK-47

New Delhi: Following another "assassination attempt" on Donald Trump near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday, law enforcement has arrested a man in connection with the attack. The arrested accused has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh (58).

Media reports citing FBI claimed the former US President was the subject of an 'apparent assassination attempt' at his Florida golf club.

The accused who pointed a rifle with a scope into Trump's golf club was arrested,  three law enforcement officials told news agency AP..

Trump's campaign chief on Sunday made shocking revelations claiming that gunshots were fired at a golf club where the ex-president was golfing. He claimed that 'gunshots were fired close to the Republic Presat the Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach in Florida, where he was playing golf at the time of the incident.

According to Republican US Presidential Candidate's Campaign Chief, Steven Cheung, Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. A post on social media network X attributed to Steven Cheung, said no further details would be released at present regarding the firing incident. 

Relieved That Ex-President is Unharmed: Biden

Reacting to apparent second assassination bid on Trump, US President Joe Biden reiterated "there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country." He added that he is "relieved that the former President is unharmed." He further said that he has directed his team to ensure that Secret Service has every resource and protective measure necessary to ensure the Trump's continued safety.

In a statement Biden said, “I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe. I am relieved that the former President is unharmed.”

“There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened. 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,” the statement further read.

AK-47 Rifle Recovered From Near Bushes

As per the claims, Trump was present in West Palm Beach in Florida and was playing golf, when the shooting occurred. An AK-47 rifle was discovered in the bushes, per a local law enforcement agency.

The latest firing incident has come up after around two months, when Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt while addressing an election rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. During the assassination bid, Trump sustained a bullet injury on his ear. 

Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service, said, “The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 pm. The former president is safe. @pbso will have more details soon.”

‘Safe And Well’: Donald Trump  

Donald Trump has broken his silence after US Secret Service agents opened fire at a "threat" near his Florida golf club. The former US president said he is "safe and well" after the incident as he declared: "Nothing will slow me down." He released a statement saying: "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!

"I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again. May God bless you."

‘Glad Trump Is Safe’: Harris 

After the firing incident, US Vice President and the Democratic Presidential nominee, Kamala Harris said that she was "glad" Trump was safe after the reported shooting. "Violence has no place in America," said Harris.

The White House said US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, had both been briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House added they were “relieved” to know Trump is safe.