Trump safe after apparent 'attempted assassination'; Sources identify detained man
The FBI is investigating what it called an "attempted assassination" of former President Donald Trump after Secret Service agents fired at a man with an AK-47 rifle on or near Trump's Palm Beach, Florida, golf course on Sunday.
Multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News that the man detained by Florida authorities in relation to the potential assassination attempt has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58.
Routh is believed to have ties to North Carolina and Hawaii, sources said.
Authorities are expected to file charges in the matter in the coming days, sources told ABC News.
On Sunday night, authorities were looking into whether Routh had grievances related to Ukraine and specifically frustrations with Trump's position on this issue, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Additionally, sources told ABC News that the FBI had begun a deep dive into Routh’s background, looking at his social media footprint, his travels and whether he had a criminal record. Friends, family and associates are being sought for interviews. Everything is being examined.
A spokesperson for Trump's campaign earlier Sunday afternoon following the incident said the former president was "safe."
The incident comes around two months after Trump was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a news conference Sunday afternoon that the gunman got as close as 300 to 500 yards away from the former president when he was spotted, and agents fired four to six rounds at him before he dropped the gun and fled. It was not clear if the suspect was aiming his weapon at Trump.
U.S. Secret Service agents fired at the suspect after seeing his rifle through the fence line, multiple sources told ABC News.
After being shot at by Secret Service agents, officials said that the suspect got into a vehicle, and witnesses reported the license plate number, which was tracked by authorities. Bradshaw said that the suspect was stopped and taken into custody.
He also said that along with an "AK-47-style rifle," two backpacks were found at the scene with a GoPro camera and ceramic tiles inside.
According to sources, three shell casings believed to be associated with the suspect’s AK-47 were found on the scene. However, sources said investigators are still evaluating whether the suspect discharged his weapon at the location.
Investigators are also working to determine if the agent was looking in the suspect’s direction because shots were fired or if it was because he saw the barrel of the gun, according to sources.
On Sunday night, sources told ABC News that the person in the woods in position to shoot at former President Trump may have done surveillance and had some information about his movements.
According to sources familiar with Trump's internal calendar, Trump's decision to head to the golf course on Sunday was a last-minute one and had not been publicized.
Trump had been golfing with his longtime friend and donor Steve Witkoff at the time gunshots were heard, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
A Republican who spoke with Trump shortly after the incident told ABC News that Trump said he was near the 5th hole of the Trump International golf course when he heard "popping sounds" in the vicinity. The source said Trump was in "good spirits."
Following the shots fired, sources said Trump was immediately rushed to a safe area on the grounds of the golf course.
The sheriff said the golf course was not surrounded by law enforcement because Trump is not the sitting president. “If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded. But because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible. So, I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there’ll probably be a little bit more people around the perimeter."
But Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he already had concerns about the Secret Service after the first assassination attempt against Trump and advocated moving the agency from under the Department of Homeland Security and back under the Treasury Department, "where it had more focus."
Sheriff Will Snyder of neighboring Martin County told ABC News on Sunday afternoon that his units detained a man following the incident. Snyder said after the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department, the Secret Service and the FBI put out a "Be on the lookout for" alert, one of his officers saw the suspect vehicle northbound on Interstate 95 and other officers "forced it to a stop without incident."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis released a statement Sunday evening saying the state will conduct its own investigation into the assassination attempt against Trump.
"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," DeSantis wrote on X.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday night, the former president offered his gratitude to law enforcement.
"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!" he wrote.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the "security incident at the Trump International Golf Course," the White House said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
"They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team," the White House added.
Biden said in a statement Sunday night: “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."
Late Sunday night, Harris said that she was "deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump" and also condemned political violence.
"As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence," Harris said.
Harris said that she is "thankful" that Trump is safe. She also commended law enforcement for their work. The vice president also reiterated Biden's message that the administration would "ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission."
After being briefed on the incident, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement, "There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind."
"The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Schumer added.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was also briefed on the situation, said he and his wife spent time with Trump at Mar-a-Lago Sunday after the incident.
"Kelly and I are departing Mar-a-Lago, where we just spent a few hours with President Trump and are thanking God for protecting him today—once again," he wrote on X.
Two of Trump's senior advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris Lacivita, told campaign staffers to stay "remain vigilant" following the apparent attempted assassination attempt.
"We ask that you remain vigilant in your daily comings and goings," the note sent to staff on Sunday night read. "Be observant and maintain a constant level of situational awareness. We urge you to always follow direction from law enforcement, including USSS, local police, and office armed security guards."
Shortly after the incident, Trump sent a fundraising email saying that he was safe and well and that no one was hurt.
"But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us," he wrote.
In a follow-up fundraising email Sunday evening, Trump wrote, "My resolve is only stronger after another attempt on my life."
-- ABC News' Lalee Ibassa, Katherine Faulders, Aaron Katersky, Soo Rin Kim, Michelle Stoddart, Pierre Thomas and Kelsey Walsh contributed to this report.
