Hidden in bushes near the property line of the Trump International Golf Club, a suspect with an AK-47-style rifle and scope was spotted by a Secret Service agent moving one hole ahead of the former president, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.
Here’s the breakdown
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The sheriff explained at a Sunday afternoon news conference that the agent “engaged” the gunman, who fled the scene. A witness quickly came forward to say they’d seen the suspect jump into a black Nissan and take off—but not before the witness took photographs of its plates…
The rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera were recovered from the bushes, according to the sheriff. Meanwhile, the witness was quickly flown up to Martin County, where they positively identified the arrested individual as the gunman.
Bradshaw estimated that Trump had gotten within 300 and 500 feet of the would-be assassin. “With a rifle and a scope like that, that’s not a long distance,” he added.
An investigation, led by the FBI, remains ongoing.
In a brief statement issued several hours earlier, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said that Trump “is safe following gunshots in his vicinity.” He did not offer any further details.
Who Is Alleged Trump Golf Course Gunman Ryan Wesley Routh?
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Routh is obsessed with Ukraine and repeatedly claimed he was traveling to Ukraine and was willing to die fighting for them.
It is unclear if Routh was able to fire his weapon (AK-47 with a scope) or if the Secret Service shot at him first after they identified him as a threat.