Second Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump Stuns Politicians and Family
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The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, fled in a vehicle when agents opened fire but was later apprehended, according to The Guardian. This marks the second attempt on Trump’s life in two months; the former president was injured in July after being shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle quickly responded to the incident. The White House released a statement saying that President Biden and Vice President Harris had been briefed on the situation and were relieved that Trump was safe. “They will be kept regularly updated by their team,” the statement read.
Vice President Harris also shared her reaction on X, writing, “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
Trump’s family reacted swiftly to the news. His son, Eric Trump, expressed concern on Fox News, saying, “My father is running out of lives here. How many more rifles are going to come within assassination distance of my father?”
Trump himself sent an email to his supporters, reassuring them: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He added defiantly, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham also shared that he had spoken with Trump following the incident. “He was in good spirits and remains one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” Graham posted on X.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspect “believed to be connected to a shooting incident at Trump International in Palm Beach County” had been apprehended. Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung added, “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity.”
J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, also expressed relief: “I spoke to him before the news was public, and he was, amazingly, in good spirits. I’ll be hugging my kids extra tight tonight and saying a prayer of gratitude.”
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that when the suspect was arrested, he seemed “calm” after fleeing the scene. The suspect had been confronted by Secret Service agents, who fired upon him after spotting the rifle.
