Trump 'attempted assassination' bid second by second - how 'shooting' unfolded (original) (raw)

A second 'attempted assassination' attempt on Donald Trump in just three months has exposed further security concerns surrounding this year's election - here's what happened minute-by-minute

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Trump was subject of apparent assassination attempt – FBI

Donald Trump escaped unharmed after another alleged attempted assassination attempt yesterday - but it could have been a lot worse for the former US president.

Major questions remain for the security services today about how a man with a rifle was able to get so close to the 2024 nominee after the assailant was spotted hiding behind the fence of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been arrested in connection with the incident, according to US media.

Posts from his now-removed social media accounts suggested he was deeply interested in US and international politics, and he had previously flown to Ukraine to help fight against Russia. Here's a timeline of how the attempted shooting unfolded:

FBI and police surrounded the scene at Trump International Golf Club (

Image:

Getty Images)

Donald Trump goes to golf course with friend

Just before 1.30pm (6.30pm UK time) on Sunday, Trump and golf partner Steve Witkoff were on the fifth hole of the course and about to putt when they heard a "pop, pop, pop, pop" noise, according to close Trump ally and former Fox News host Sean Hannity. Moments later, a "fast cart" with steel reinforcement and other protection whisked Trump away. Secret Service agents had spotted the butt of a rifle at the fence of the golf course around 300 to 400 yards away.

Secret Service fires on suspect - and misses

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been arrested over the apparent attempted assassination

After the Secret Service noticed the rifle and then the suspect, an agent fired on him, but apparently missed. Secret Service agents immediately used their bodies to shield Trump and moved him to the golf course's clubhouse, where he remained until he went back to his Mar-a-Lago home about 15 minutes away, according to close sources.

Police chase suspect down the highway

The suspect vanished quickly after the gunfire rang out - but a quick-thinking police officer was able to jot down his number plate. Martin County Sheriff William D Snyder said his deputies "immediately flooded" the northbound I-95 highway, deploying to every exit between the Palm Beach County line to the south and St. Lucie County line to the north. Max Egusquiza, of Palm Beach, said of the scene: "There were about 20 or more cop cars flying from nearby streets."

Just after 2pm, the suspect was apprehended within minutes of the FBI, Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office putting out a 'be-on-the-lookout' alert, which released the specific vehicle sought, license plate number and description of the driver. The sheriff said: "One of my road patrol units saw the vehicle, matched the tag and we set up on the vehicle. We pinched in on the car, got it safely stopped and got the driver in custody." Mr Snyder added: "He never asked, 'What is this about?' Obviously, law enforcement with long rifles, blue lights - a lot going on. He never questioned it."

Suspect Ryan Routh, 58, is arrested and 'den' found

Police showed images of a den with bags and rifles left in bushes outside the golf course (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

Police arrested Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Kaaawa, Hawaii, after stopping his car on the highway. At a press conference, officers later showed pictures of a den-like structure left in bushes outside the golf course, including a AK-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks hanging on a fence with ceramic tile inside and a GoPro camera, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.

Routh is from Hawaii and has been working out of North Carolina as a construction worker, though these specific details have not been officially been confirmed by authorities. The 58-year-old also reportedly has eight prior charges related to minor offences, which has not been confirmed. In 2002, Routh, or at least someone with his exact name, entered a three-hour standoff with the police in North Carolina after barricading himself within his roofing company's headquarters. He was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction.

Secret Service confirm 'incident'

Secret Services later confirmed a 'protective incident involving former President Donald Trump'

At 3.55pm, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the agency and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office were investigating an unspecified "protective incident involving former President Donald Trump," adding he was safe.

The Trump campaign issued a statement saying "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity." An FBI statement said it was investigating "what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump."