A protective unit from the U.S. Secret Service successfully intercepted what seems to be the second attempt on Donald Trump’s life while he was golfing on Sunday.

The agents fired at a suspect after they noticed a rifle barrel protruding from some bushes near a chain-link fence surrounding Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, around 1:30 p.m.

Trump, situated about 300 to 500 feet away, was unharmed when agents discharged their weapons, according to law enforcement sources. The suspect managed to flee, but agents recovered a rifle equipped with a scope, two backpacks with ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera, according to a news briefing from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday.

The suspect was apprehended shortly after in a black Nissan SUV on I-95, approximately 45 miles from the golf course. He was identified as 58-year-old Ryan Routh, previously from Hawaii and North Carolina.

On Monday, Routh faced charges in federal court for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, as well as for having a firearm with its serial number removed. His phone records indicated he was in the vicinity for about 12 hours, from 1:59 a.m. to 1:31 p.m. on Sunday.

How was the suspect subdued?

This event occurred over two months after a shooter targeted Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, injuring him and resulting in one death and two additional injuries. A Secret Service sniper neutralized the shooter during that incident.

Large venues such as outdoor rallies and golf courses present significant challenges to Secret Service protection, especially when they are areas frequented by Trump. Golf courses, characterized by their expansive, open spaces with trees and shrubs, create unique obstacles for visibility and security, often bordered by public roads and lands.

While golfing, Trump is surrounded by a bubble of protection from agents who monitor several holes in advance and behind him, utilizing advanced technology to identify any threats, as reported by YSL News.

Agents often attempt to blend in with other golfers by dressing in golf attire and riding alongside Trump in golf carts. Those stationed ahead closely examine the surroundings as they proceed along the course with Trump.

It was one agent’s observation of the rifle concealed within the bushes that prompted their response, according to the police. Several shots—estimated to be between four and six—were fired by this agent and others, although court documents later confirmed that the suspect did not shoot back.

Reportedly, the backpacks containing ceramic tiles might have been intended as makeshift body armor, as stated by NewsNation.

What kind of weapon was used by the suspect?

The suspect, Routh, left behind an “SKS-style rifle” which was found to have its serial number filed off, according to court papers.

Timeline of events

All times mentioned are Eastern and approximate.

Sunday

1:31 p.m.: A Secret Service agent spots a rifle in the underbrush and fires at the suspect as he runs off. A witness then sees the suspect entering a black Nissan SUV.

2:14 p.m.: Authorities from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office intercept the suspect’s vehicle on I-95 heading north. The witness provides a positive identification.

2:49 p.m.: Anthony Guglielmi, the communications chief for the Secret Service, reassures the public on X that Trump is safe.

3:27 p.m.: The Martin County Sheriff’s Office announces via Facebook that a suspect is in custody.

5 p.m.: A news conference conducted by the Secret Service, FBI, and Palm Beach County sheriff details the incident.

5:21 p.m.: Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, tweets about Trump’s safety.

Monday

Morning: Routh is charged with two federal firearm offenses in the U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, Florida, facing a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Contributions from: Josh Meyer, John Bacon, Michael Collins, YSL News

Source: Reporting and research from YSL News Network and Reuters