Palm Beach, FL: Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped a second assassination attempt during a golf outing at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. The incident, which follows a July shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania, has intensified scrutiny of the Secret Service’s protective measures.
According to the FBI, the suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was armed with an AK-47-type rifle and lay in wait for almost 12 hours on the golf course before being apprehended by the Secret Service. Routh was positioned approximately 400 meters from Trump, who was swiftly moved to safety after agents fired at the suspect.
The July 13 attack, in which Trump was shot but not seriously injured, had already raised concerns about the Secret Service’s capability to protect the former president. In response to these incidents, the Pentagon has increased military support for Trump’s security through the 2024 presidential election and potentially beyond.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe emphasized that the security measures had ultimately been effective, noting that the suspect did not have a clear line of sight on Trump. However, he acknowledged the limitations faced by Trump’s security team, especially at the golf course, which is surrounded by busy roads and has numerous access points with limited cover.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate subcommittee investigating the July attack, expressed alarm over the new incident, describing it as “deeply alarming and appalling.”
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw admitted that the security level at the golf course was less comprehensive because Trump is not the sitting president. He assured that had Trump been the current president, the security would have been more stringent.
Michael Matranga, a former Secret Service agent, called for Trump to receive security comparable to that of a sitting president due to the unprecedented nature of the threats.
Despite the security concerns, Trump expressed confidence in the Secret Service’s efforts through a post on Truth Social, praising their work as “absolutely outstanding.”
The challenges of securing Trump in public spaces like golf courses, especially in open-carry states, have been highlighted by former FBI officials. The pervasive availability of firearms and the difficulty of addressing mental health issues contribute to the complexity of ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals.
Trump’s tendency to disregard security protocols—such as his refusal to follow standard evacuation procedures—has further complicated his protection. His recent public appearances, including rallies held behind bulletproof glass, underscore his preference for projecting strength over adhering to safety measures.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Secret Service in protecting individuals with high security needs while navigating the complexities of public and political life.