DeSantis Launches Investigation Into Trump’s Second Assassination Attempt

At a Glance

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a state investigation into an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club.
The incident occurred while Trump was playing golf at the Trump International Golf Course.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was spotted by Secret Service agents with an AK-style rifle about 400 yards from Trump.
An agent fired at the suspect, who fled in an SUV, leaving behind the rifle, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera.
Routh was apprehended later in a neighboring county and identified.

Attempted Assassination at Trump International Golf Course

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The incident took place at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach.

While Trump was playing golf, 58-year-old suspect Ryan Wesley Routh was spotted by Secret Service agents with an AK-47-style rifle approximately 400 yards from Trump. According to reports, Secret Service agents fired at the suspect, who then fled in an SUV, abandoning the rifle, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera.

Governor DeSantis Calls for Transparency

Governor DeSantis emphasized the necessity of transparency and reinforced security protocols following the event. This call comes amidst heightened scrutiny of the Secret Service’s security effectiveness, especially considering another attempt on Trump’s life in July.

Details of the Suspect and Security Measures

Ryan Wesley Routh, who has a known criminal past and reportedly has alleged links to pro-Ukrainian elements, was later apprehended in a neighboring county. The authorities have pressed charges against Routh for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Following the incident, Trump reassured his supporters of his safety and determination to continue his campaign. Security measures around the former president have since increased, including the use of bulletproof glass at rallies. The Secret Service continues to investigate the incident, and their response is under rigorous scrutiny.

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

Reactions and Future Implications

Former President Trump confirmed that he was safe and resumed his schedule, including a return to Mar-a-Lago and planned appearances at campaign events. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who have been briefed on the incident, condemned the violence and expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. International leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have also condemned this act of political violence.

Ryan Wesley Routh’s arrest has brought his extensive criminal history to light, showing over 100 criminal counts in North Carolina. The suspect’s social media activity reveals a complex relationship with Trump, including criticisms and support for other political figures. Concerns about potential copycat attacks have been raised, with warnings from experts about “stochastic terrorism.”