A reported assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida has sparked a thorough investigation into how a threat could come so close to him again, only two months after a near-fatal incident in Pennsylvania.

The suspect, Ryan Routh, appeared in federal court on Monday. Though he did not fire his weapon, he is facing charges for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and having a firearm with an altered serial number, authorities stated.

On Sunday afternoon, Trump was at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach when Secret Service agents, patrolling the area, noticed the barrel of a gun hidden in the bushes. Upon discovering it, they opened fire, prompting the suspect to flee in a black Nissan SUV, abandoning a loaded assault rifle, a backpack, two bags, a digital camera, and food items, as outlined in the criminal complaint.

Routh, 58, was captured soon after, and a witness identified him as the person who had fled the golf course, according to the complaint. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that Routh was located 300-500 yards away from Trump, putting him within shooting range.

Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their swift action but suggested that the incident was influenced by rhetoric from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

“He (Routh) seemed to have believed the words of Biden and Harris, and he acted on it,” Trump remarked in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Their language is putting my life in danger.”

This is the second time Trump has survived an assassination attempt, having recently had a close call in July during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman fired shots that grazed his ear.

Latest Updates:

∎ The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has released body camera footage showing Routh’s arrest.

∎ Routh’s detention hearing is set for September 23, with an arraignment planned for September 30.

∎ President Joe Biden stated on Monday that the Secret Service requires additional resources and urged Congress to assist. “I want to emphasize how important it is for the Service to receive more support,” Biden said to reporters as he departed the White House.

Trump: ‘Maybe it’s Divine Intervention’

In a conversation on the social media platform X, Trump suggested a potential spiritual reason for surviving two assassination attempts within two months.

“There’s definitely something happening,” he stated. “Perhaps it’s God wanting me to lead this country as president. No one knows.”

He again pointed fingers at the anti-Trump sentiments articulated by Harris and Biden while participating in the X Spaces program, which largely focused on a new cryptocurrency initiative led by his two oldest sons.

– David Jackson

Routh ran a small business and worked with local government in Hawaii

Routh relocated to Hawaii in 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile. He registered a business, Camp Box Honolulu, focused on constructing small storage units, in January 2019, as per state records. However, this business registration lapsed earlier this January.

He gained attention in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in 2019 for his commitment to building tiny homes for the homeless in East Oahu. This project was part of Hawaii’s Kauhale initiative, a joint effort between the state and HomeAid Hawaii, a nonprofit dedicated to crafting housing solutions for those facing homelessness or at risk of it.

HomeAid Hawaii Executive Director Kim Carvalho stated that the nonprofit stopped utilizing Routh’s services after 2020.

“Ryan Routh volunteered with us from 2018 to 2020, offering his company’s roofing and flooring services for tiny home constructions,” Carvalho explained in a written statement. “He was not paid, and there were no complaints during his tenure with us under the previous leadership of HomeAid Hawaii.”

Recently, investigators visited Routh’s home in Kaaawa, which is listed as the address for his business. Public records show the home belongs to a woman who shares past addresses with Routh.

– Jeremy Yurow

Biden and Trump discuss the situation in a ‘friendly’ call

Biden had a conversation with Trump on Monday evening where he expressed relief regarding Trump’s safety, according to the White House.

The White House reported their exchange was “cordial,” and Trump thanked Biden for reaching out.

Initially, Biden was unable to connect with Trump by phone. After a visit to Philadelphia, he told reporters as he returned to the White House, “I’m grateful the president is okay.”

– Rebecca Morin

Trump’s golf outing was not on the official schedule

According to Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr., Trump’s golfing outing on Sunday afternoon was not part of his official agenda, and it remains unclear if Routh was aware of Trump being present there.

At a press conference on Monday, Rowe stated, “This was an off-the-record movement. There were no announcements made because he wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place.”

He mentioned that the investigation is ongoing.

– Aysha Bagchi

Secret Service: Routh ‘could not see former president’

During a news conference about the investigation into a possible assassination attempt on Trump, Rowe explained that Routh “did not have a clear view of the former president” when he shot and then fled the scene.

Rowe noted that Routh was on the public side of a fence, situated near the sixth green of the golf course, while Trump was making his way through the fifth fairway, “out of Routh’s line of sight.”

A Secret Service agent who was surveying the area saw Routh “holding what looked like a rifle and immediately fired his weapon,” according to Rowe. Routh then escaped, without discharging any rounds, and Trump was promptly moved to safety.

Rowe praised the agent’s heightened awareness and swift response as exemplary action.

– Aysha Bagchi

Secret Service chief commends agents’ prompt action but signals need for increased funding

Rowe commended his agents on Monday for preventing what authorities are labeling as a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He rejected inquiries regarding whether they could have acted more effectively to deter a gunman who had reportedly waited for over 12 hours for Trump’s arrival.

However, Rowe, who traveled from Washington to Florida to assess the situation where agents confronted the suspect, acknowledged the need for additional resources because of today’s highly charged political climate.

He expressed gratitude towards local law enforcement, who apprehended the suspect, Routh, after he allegedly emerged from his hiding spot in the bushes bordering the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.

Rowe mentioned, “The critical factors in this situation were the rapid response, the alertness, and dedication of the U.S. Secret Service agents who have been facing an unprecedented and evolving threat landscape since July 13th.”

Rowe later communicated with Congress about the necessity for enhanced resources in light of the current presidential contest involving Trump, Harris, and many other individuals for whom they are responsible for security.

He stated, “We have immediate needs that must be addressed, and we are receiving strong support not only from President Biden but also from Congress regarding increased funding for an agency that has operated efficiently on limited resources for many years.”

– Josh Meyer

Routh aimed to recruit Afghan soldiers for Ukraine: FBI

According to FBI special agent Jeffrey B. Veltri, Routh intended to enlist Afghan fighters and others to battle for Ukraine, as he shared during a news conference on Monday.

Veltri indicated that investigators are examining Routh’s online activity, including his search history, to gather more insight into his potential motives and strategies. They have reached out to service providers for access to Routh’s mobile and social media accounts.

– Aysha Bagchi

FBI evaluating Routh’s belongings, including rifle and DNA

Veltri informed that the FBI is analyzing various pieces of evidence collected from the investigation, including the rifle, scope, bags, electronics, and ceramic tiles gathered from the scene.

They have also secured DNA from these items, which is being sent for testing at the Quantico lab, and will inspect Routh’s vehicle, Veltri mentioned.

The FBI is also tracking Routh’s activity in the days and months leading up to the suspected attack; Veltri confirmed that Routh was in the area of the golf course for approximately 12 hours before the Secret Service intervened with him.

– Aysha Bagchi

Routh requests a lawyer, family interviews underway: FBI

FBI agents tried to question Routh, but he claimed his right to legal representation, according to updates from Veltri during a press conference. He mentioned that law enforcement has gathered statements from seven witnesses present at the scene of the alleged assassination attempt on Trump.

Additionally, FBI offices in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Charlotte, North Carolina, have begun interviewing Routh’s family members, friends, and former associates, Veltri reported.

– Aysha Bagchi

Enhanced security at Mar-a-Lago

During a press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that security measures at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort “are at the highest level possible.”

Bradshaw announced the implementation of road closures and checkpoints, emphasizing that his office will support the Secret Service with “all necessary resources.”

He revealed that he spoke to Trump the previous night, and Trump assured him of his sense of safety. “That’s crucial as he truly is safe, and what we executed yesterday shows that the protocols are effective,” Bradshaw added.

– Aysha Bagchi

Joint news conference for law enforcement to be livestreamed

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are scheduled to hold a joint news conference at 4 p.m. EDT Monday to provide updates on the investigation concerning the suspected assassination attempt, according to the Justice Department.

Stay updated and watch live here.

– Aysha Bagchi

Trump to address on X Spaces

Donald Trump is expected to talk about the assassination attempt on Monday night via X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk. “Join me live from Mar-A-Lago at 8:00 PM Eastern tonight on X Spaces,” Trump shared on the platform. “Set a reminder and don’t miss it!” There’s no indication if Musk will participate like he did during a troubled interview in August.

– David Jackson

Secret Service chief arrives in Florida amidst scrutiny

Rowe arrived in Florida on Monday as inquiries arise regarding how a convicted felon allegedly aiming a weapon managed to approach the situation.

An assault-style rifle managed to get within 500 yards of former President Donald Trump before Secret Service agents responded with gunfire the day before.

Rowe was present for a meeting with local and federal law enforcement officials, as well as conducting a walkthrough of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, according to a representative from the Secret Service.

The Secret Service spokesperson did not disclose further details about Rowe’s visit, including whether he is in town to oversee an investigation into how the agency managed the situation.

This visit coincides with calls from both Democrats and Republicans in Washington for an investigation, especially following criticism aimed at the Secret Service for its response to a shooting at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July, which resulted in one individual’s death and two others being injured.

Initially, the Secret Service received praise on Sunday for its prompt action regarding the shooting. Trump expressed gratitude to the agency and local law enforcement on his TruthSocial account, stating they did “an incredible job” at Trump International in ensuring his safety.

However, some former Secret Service professionals raised concerns about whether additional resources, such as aerial surveillance drones, could have identified the shooter sooner. Furthermore, an FBI affidavit revealed that Routh’s phone was at the golf course location for almost 12 hours starting from 1:59 a.m.

-Josh Meyer

Merrick Garland vows to pursue ‘unyielding accountability’

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland released a statement on Monday assuring that the Justice Department would “work tirelessly to ensure accountability” and mobilize “every available resource” to investigate the apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

This statement came shortly after federal authorities filed a criminal complaint against Routh, who faces charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for having a firearm with an erased serial number.

Garland indicated that the entire Justice Department, which includes the FBI, the National Security Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, is collaborating closely with local law enforcement officials.

– Aysha Bagchi

Suspect Ryan Routh did not discharge his weapon

David Aronberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach County, confirmed to YSL News that Routh did not fire his weapon while situated just outside the Trump International Golf Course. He noted that no shell casings were discovered at the scene. Prosecutors in his office were preparing a motion for pretrial detention with no bail until federal authorities informed them they would assume control of the case, Aronberg stated.

“We viewed him as a risk to the community,” he said. “We didn’t want to risk him getting away.”

Aronberg emphasized that his office was more concerned about Routh posing a threat to the community rather than being a flight risk. “He had an AK-47 style rifle and it was alleged that he pointed it at a law enforcement officer,” he added.

− Rick Jervis

Video footage of Routh’s arrest made public

When local law enforcement pulled Routh over at around 2:14 p.m. on Sunday, he was asked if he knew the reason for the stop, to which he replied affirmatively, according to FBI special agent Mark Thomas, who signed an affidavit to support the criminal complaint against Routh. You can view the video of the stop here.

The Nissan’s license plate belonged to a 2012 white Ford truck reported as stolen, Thomas noted. A witness who observed Routh fleeing from the Trump golf club area was taken to the scene where Routh was captured and identified him.

Routh’s phone records suggest he was around the tree line near the golf course for nearly 12 hours on Sunday, from 1:59 a.m. to about 1:31 p.m.

– Aysha Bagchi

Shortly after the event, Trump rallies donors

Donald Trump has issued a strong fundraising appeal in light of this second assassination attempt, urging supporters to “fight” for him.

“There are individuals in this world who will go to any lengths to stop us,” Trump stated, assuring donors, “I am safe and well, and no one was harmed. Thank God!”

“I will continue fighting for you,” he declared. “I will Never Surrender!”

Trump’s fundraising message appeared on his Truth Social account under the headline “Fight, Fight, Fight!!!!!” reflecting language he used after the first assassination attempt in July.

− David Jackson

Routh has connections to Ukraine and authored a book

In a 291-page self-published book titled “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” released in February 2023 on Amazon, Routh expressed his frustrations over the U.S.’s role, or lack thereof, in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and called for increased military action in Taiwan, North Korea, and other regions. The book, available only in Kindle format for $2.99, details his travels to Ukraine in 2022, where he claims the Ukrainian government denied him the opportunity to join the fight. Instead, he describes setting up a protest booth in Kyiv to recruit volunteers for the frontlines.

“It is madness for numerous powerful nations to possess vast militaries and remain inactive as lives are lost across various countries worldwide,” Routh expressed.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that Routh’s association with Ukraine indicates that “playing with fire” has repercussions, a nod to U.S. support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

Although Routh makes only a few references to Trump in his book, he critiques Trump’s involvement in the January 6 Capitol incident while praising his attempts to build a connection with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Un. Conversely, he strongly rebukes Trump for dismantling the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, partially blaming him for Trump’s victory in the 2016 election. In communication with Iran’s leader, he writes, “You are free to assassinate Trump as well as me for that error in judgement regarding the dismantling of the deal.”

−Rick Jervis

Routh appeared ‘unfazed’ during his arrest

The vehicle Routh was driving was stopped shortly after the incident. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder told CNN that Routh displayed such a calm demeanor that it was “confounding.”

“His facial expressions were completely flat. He seemed relaxed,” Snyder observed. “I genuinely thought he looked like someone who had just left a church picnic and was on their way home.”

Routh was apprehended amidst a heavy law enforcement presence, including a SWAT team and helicopter support. Interstate 95 was momentarily closed, and a bomb dog was deployed. Despite the intensity at the scene, Routh remained mostly silent and did not inquire about the reason for the stop, Snyder noted.

“He just stayed calm, really,”

“as if he was going for dinner,” the sheriff stated.

Trump: ‘It was certainly an interesting day!’

The former president shared his initial thoughts on the incident in an 11:36 p.m. post on Truth Social, where he expressed gratitude to his supporters and commended the Secret Service and law enforcement.

“I want to extend my thanks to everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” He continued: “Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his dedicated team, as well as all of law enforcement, for the phenomenal job done today at Trump International in ensuring my safety, as the 45th President of the United States and the Republican Nominee for the upcoming Presidential Election. THE WORK PERFORMED WAS TRULY EXCEPTIONAL. I AM EXTREMELY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”

The incident on Sunday occurred amidst an increasingly polarized political landscape as the November election approaches. Earlier that day, Trump had posted “I hate Taylor Swift” on Truth Social. Additionally, his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, reaffirmed his contentious remarks regarding immigrants, stating he had “no regrets” about spreading false stories about Haitians, resulting in numerous threats against them in Springfield, Ohio.

− David Jackson

Ryan Routh: What we know

Ryan Routh was taken into custody on Sunday and made his initial court appearance on Monday. He appears to be a passionate advocate for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion and has a history marked by various business issues and legal filings.

Routh’s social media activity and interviews paint a picture of someone impulsive, indicating a readiness to jeopardize his life for his beliefs – while sometimes making claims that seem far-fetched. In addition to being an entrepreneur and builder, Routh had told major news outlets that he sought to enlist soldiers to fight in foreign conflicts that aligned with his views. A New York Times article from March 2023 described Routh, a “former construction worker from Greensboro, N.C.” who was recruiting Afghan soldiers who escaped the Taliban to assist in fighting in Ukraine.

On a phone associated with Routh, the voicemail greeting identified him as “Ryan in Hawaii,” engaged with the “National Volunteer Center, recruiting soldiers for missions in Ukraine and Taiwan.” He urged callers to contact him via WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, or Facebook. His phone did not receive any responses on Sunday. Read more here.

− Rick Jervis and Will Carless

House committee plans hearing regarding the recent assassination attempt

Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., the chair and ranking member of the task force assigned to explore the assassination attempt on Trump in July, issued a joint statement requesting a briefing with the Secret Service “to understand what transpired and how security reacted” to Sunday’s event.

“We are grateful the former president was unharmed, but we remain very concerned about political violence and denounce it in all its forms,” they stated. “The Task Force will provide updates as we learn more.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., shared on X that he and his wife spent a few hours with Trump at Mar-a-Lago following the assassination attempt. “No leader in American history has faced more attacks yet remained so strong and resilient,” he remarked. “He is unstoppable.” Read more here.

− Riley Beggin

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy extends wishes to Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned political violence and sent his best regards to Trump following the second assassination attempt on the former president. Zelenskyy’s remarks come as Routh has been recognized as a fervent supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

In a social media post on X early Monday, Zelenskyy expressed: “I am relieved that (Donald Trump) is safe and unharmed. My best wishes to him and his family.” Read more here.

− Eric Lagatta

Details of the assassination attempt

When reporters inquired about how this incident could have occurred considering the earlier assassination attempt on Trump’s life, Sheriff Bradshaw explained that the golf course was “surrounded by shrubbery” with a limited perimeter.

“When someone enters the shrubbery, they are essentially out of sight,” he noted.

With Trump not being a sitting president, Bradshaw pointed out that “security is limited to areas determined feasible by the Secret Service,” but that this may change going forward.

“I anticipate that the next time he visits a golf course, there will likely be more personnel around the perimeter, but the Secret Service executed their duties commendably,” Bradshaw added. “They delivered the necessary level of protection, and their agents performed excellently.”

– Phillip Bailey

Challenges faced by the Secret Service at outdoor events

The Secret Service maintained a heightened presence around Trump during his outing on the golf course on Sunday and successfully foiled the alleged assassination attempt when an agent spotted a rifle through the shrubbery. Experts believe the agents in West Palm Beach managed the situation effectively, contrasting with heavy criticisms faced by the Secret Service after another assassination attempt during an outdoor rally in July, where a gunman used an AR-style rifle to fire at the GOP nominee from approximately 150 yards away.

However, the recent event at one of Trump’s golf clubs in Florida highlights the difficulties in safeguarding a presidential contender who enjoys a high public profile through activities such as golfing and outdoor rallies, experts told YSL News. Read more here.

Biden praises the Secret Service

Biden declared “there is no room for political violence” following Sunday’s event, pledging to ensure the Secret Service has “every resource” necessary for Trump’s protection. In a written statement on Sunday evening, he mentioned that his team had updated him on the FBI’s investigation into the apparent assassination attempt on Trump, the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidency.

Biden lauded the efforts of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners “for their vigilance and their dedication to safeguarding the former president and those around him.”

“I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden remarked. “There is an ongoing investigation into this incident as law enforcement seeks further details about what took place. As I have often stated, there is no place for political violence or any violence in our nation.”

Earlier assassination attempt ended with the shooter’s death

The first assassination attempt on Trump occurred on July 13. A lone gunman,

A 20-year-old named Thomas Crooks opened fire during a packed rally in Western Pennsylvania. A bullet grazed Donald Trump’s ear, prompting the U.S. Secret Service to quickly rush him off the stage after hearing at least six gunshots. Tragically, one person was killed and two others suffered serious injuries. Crooks, who was stationed on the roof of a nearby warehouse, was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper who returned fire.

This alarming event sparked widespread criticism and raised significant questions, particularly regarding how Crooks was able to get so close to Trump—approximately 150 yards away—despite the presence of Secret Service protection. In the aftermath of the shooting, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down from her position just 10 days later.

Contributing: Joey Garrison and Bart Jansen