Governor DeSantis Probes Shocking Incident at West Palm Beach Golf Club

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces state-level investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club.

At a Glance

A gunman attempted to assassinate former President Trump at his Florida golf course
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was armed with an AK-47-style rifle and detained by Secret Service
Governor DeSantis has launched a state investigation parallel to the FBI’s inquiry
Trump was unharmed in the incident, which occurred about 300-500 yards from his location
This is the second assassination attempt on Trump in two months

DeSantis Launches State Investigation

In a bold move to ensure transparency and public safety, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state-level investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club, has raised serious concerns about security protocols and the protection of high-profile political figures.

DeSantis emphasized the importance of this investigation, stating that the public deserves to know how the would-be assassin managed to get within 500 yards of the former president. The governor’s decision to launch a parallel investigation alongside the FBI’s inquiry demonstrates Florida’s commitment to protecting its residents and visitors, including prominent political figures.

The State of Florida will be conducting its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club.

The people deserve the truth about the would be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP…

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 16, 2024

Details of the Assassination Attempt

The attempted assassination took place at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach on Sunday afternoon. A U.S. Secret Service agent spotted the gunman, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, hiding in the bushes approximately 400 yards from the course. Routh was armed with an AK-47-style rifle, which was within range to pose a significant threat to the former president.

“Secret Service did exactly what they should have done, and their agent did a fantastic job,” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said, praising the quick response of the security team.

After the Secret Service agent engaged and fired at the suspect, Routh fled the scene in a black Nissan SUV. He was later apprehended on I-95 North in Martin County, thanks to a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies. The suspect left behind not only the rifle with a scope but also two backpacks containing ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera, raising questions about his intentions and possible connections.

Security Concerns and Previous Incidents

This alarming incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump in just two months. In July, a similar event occurred in Pennsylvania, where the U.S. Secret Service fatally shot a man who fired a rifle at a Trump rally. These back-to-back attempts have cast a spotlight on the security measures surrounding the former president and other high-profile political figures.

“The people deserve the truth about the would-be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee,” DeSantis wrote.

The recurring nature of these threats has prompted a bipartisan congressional task force to seek a briefing on the latest incident. Questions about Trump’s security and potential communication breakdowns with local law enforcement have been raised, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation and possible revisions to existing security protocols.

Reactions and Reassurances

Despite the gravity of the situation, Trump remained unharmed and quickly reassured his supporters via email that he was safe. The former president vowed to continue his campaign, demonstrating resilience in the face of this threat. Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz also expressed relief at Trump’s safety and condemned the use of violence in political contexts.

As the investigations by both the FBI and the state of Florida progress, the public eagerly awaits more information about the suspect, his motivations, and how he managed to get so close to a former president. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by political figures and the importance of remaining vigilant in an increasingly volatile political climate.