Investigation underway for assassination attempt on President Donald Trump

Summary

A 58-year-old man, Ryan Route, was arrested after an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course. Route, a vocal critic of Trump and supporter of Ukraine, was found with an AK-47 style rifle and a recording device. The Secret Service intervened, and Trump was unharmed. The suspect was later taken into custody after a car chase. The motive remains unclear, and a thorough investigation is underway.

Takeaways

• 🔍 A suspect, Ryan Route, attempted an assassination on former President Donald Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• 🔎 Route was found hiding in bushes with an AK-47 style rifle and was arrested minutes after fleeing the scene.
• 🏞️ The incident occurred near Trump's International Golf Course close to Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort.
• 🎯 Trump was not injured during the incident, which took place around 02:00 PM local time.
• 👮‍♂️ The Secret Service agent engaged the suspect, who was approximately 400 yards from Trump at the time.
• 🔒 Route, a 58-year-old from Hawaii, is now in custody, and a thorough investigation is underway.
• 📱 Route was active on social media, showing criticism towards Trump and support for Ukraine, even fundraising for foreign fighters.
• 💻 Items recovered from the scene included backpacks, a recording device, and a scoped rifle.
• 📧 President Trump reassured his supporters via email that he was safe and would not be deterred by the incident.
• 🏅 Statements were issued by various political figures, including President Biden, condemning political violence and commending the Secret Service.

Q & A

What was the suspect's alleged plan according to the authorities?

The suspect, identified as Ryan Route, was allegedly planning an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Where was the incident supposed to take place?

The incident was planned to take place at Trump's international golf course near Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida.

What type of weapon was reportedly found at the scene?

An AK-47 style rifle with a scope was found at the scene where the suspect was hiding.

How was the suspect apprehended?

The suspect fled the scene but was arrested minutes later after being pulled over on a Florida highway.

What other items were recovered at the scene?

In addition to the rifle, authorities recovered two backpacks, one of which contained ceramic body armor, and a recording device.

What was the distance between the gunman and Trump during the incident?

The gunman was approximately 400 yards away from Mr. Trump during the incident.

How did the Secret Service agent spot the suspect?

A Secret Service agent spotted the barrel of the rifle sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged the individual.

What was the suspect's stance on social media regarding Trump and Ukraine?

The suspect, Route, was critical of Trump on social media while expressing support for Ukraine and raising funds for foreign fighters.

What was the response of President Trump after the incident?

President Trump emailed his supporters stating that he was safe and well, and that nothing would slow him down or make him surrender.

How did other political figures respond to the incident?

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden condemned political violence, while Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, expressed relief that Trump was safe.

What was the condition of former President Trump after the incident?

Former President Trump was not injured during the incident and was reported to be safe and back at his Mar-a-Lago resort.