Former President Donald Trump emerged unscathed from a second assassination attempt in as many months, as law enforcement apprehended an armed suspect near Trump's golf club in Florida. The incident, occurring just 50 days before the upcoming presidential election, has drawn swift condemnation from President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and political figures across the spectrum.
President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the attack: "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."
He continued, emphasizing: "I am relieved that the former president is unharmed," Biden said. "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. I have instructed my team to continue to ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president's continued safety."
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, echoed Biden's sentiments, stating that she is "deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of Former President Trump today. 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. I am thankful that Former President Trump is safe."
"I'm glad President Trump is safe. I spoke to him before the news was public, and he was, amazingly, in good spirits. There's still much we don't know, but I'll be hugging my kids extra tight tonight and saying a prayer of gratitude," said JD Vance, Trump's designated running mate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly addressed the incident: "Sara and I were shocked by the second assassination attempt against President Trump and relieved to hear that it too failed. But we should not rely on luck. We send our best wishes to Donald and Melania along with our hope that all measures will be taken to ensure that such deadly attacks on a US presidential candidate will be thwarted in advance."
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, posted on X a joint photo of him and his wife Kelly with Trump, writing that they visited the former president at his Mar-a-Lago estate: "We are thanking God for protecting him today once again. No leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient. He is unstoppable," Johnson asserted.
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. No leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient. He is unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/43Rm8SPGU8
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) September 15, 2024
Meanwhile, The New York Times and Fox News reported that the suspect arrested following the assassination attempt is a 58-year-old man named Brian Wesley Routh from Hawaii. In a briefing to reporters, the Palm Beach County Sheriff in Florida said that an AK-47 style rifle with a sight was found at the location where the suspect was. According to Sheriff Rick Bradshaw, a GoPro camera that he intended to use for taking photos was also found at the scene.
Trump himself issued a defiant statement projecting strength and resolve, sending an email to his supporters under his campaign banner: "Fear not! I will never surrender. I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God! But there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us. I will not stop fighting for you. I will never surrender! I will always love you for supporting me. Through our unity, we will Make America Great Again!"
