‘Violence has no place in America,’ says Kamala Harris after second assassination attempt on Trump

Two months after former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at in a rally, the FBI foiled what appeared to be a second assassination attempt on Sunday while Trump was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

According to the Secret Service, the incident occurred shortly before 2 pm local time. Agents spotted a person with a firearm near the golf club and immediately opened fire. The suspect fled the scene in an SUV but was later apprehended by local law enforcement in a neighbouring county. An AK-47-style assault rifle and other items were left at the scene, a few yards away from where Trump was playing, when the suspect fled.

CNN, Fox News and The New York Times have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials. The FBI, however, has declined to comment.

The foiled attempt comes amid a high-stakes battle for the US elections, with Trump’s rival and Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris saying, “Violence has no place in America.”

In an official statement, the White House said that President Joe Biden and Harris had been briefed about the incident and were relieved to know that he was safe. The statement also said that Biden confirmed that he had directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has the resources it needs to ensure Trump’s safety.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor and the Democratic vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz, echoed, “Violence has no place in our country. It’s not who we are as a nation.”

Trump’s running mate in the election, US Senator JD Vance, said he spoke with Trump after the shooting and that he was in good spirits.

‘Father is running out of lives’: Eric Trump

Where Donald Trump Jr. took to a social media post referencing the ongoing threats against his father, saying, “Again folks! SHOTS FIRED at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida”. Eric Trump voiced concerns about the repeated threats against his father, saying, “My father is running out of lives here. How many more rifles will come within assassination distance of my father?”.

Trump Jr. further stated that “An AK-47 was discovered in the bushes, per local law enforcement. The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe. A suspect has reportedly been apprehended.”

Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham stated that he spoke with Trump and found him to be “one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” adding that Trump is “in good spirits” and more resolved than ever to “save our country”

The Trump campaign praised the Secret Service for their actions, crediting them with keeping the former president safe. Meanwhile, in an email to staff, senior campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wrote, “Today, for the second time in two months, an evil monster attempted to take the life of President Trump.”

After visiting Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate later on Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X: “No leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient. He is unstoppable.”

Congressional leaders and other officials have reacted to the incident, expressing relief that Trump is safe and condemning political violence. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded the Secret Service for their quick response. He added “no place in this country for political violence of any kind” and the perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The FBI is investigating the incident, which it is calling an “apparent attempted assassination” of the Republican presidential candidate.

Authorities are working to determine the suspect’s motive and whether he acted alone. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office stated that the gunman, armed with an AK-style rifle with a scope, was approximately 400 to 500 yards away from Trump and hidden in shrubbery while the former president played golf.

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