Former President Donald Trump was scheduled to hold a town hall in Michigan following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course, where a suspect armed with an assault-style rifle was found within a few hundred yards of him. Trump praised the Secret Service agents who thwarted the attempt and blamed Democrats’ rhetoric for encouraging such acts. The suspect was apprehended after abandoning his gun in the bushes and fleeing the scene. Trump also commended a civilian who helped identify the suspect.
The suspect, Ryan Routh, appeared in federal court facing charges of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The Secret Service has faced scrutiny for not detecting the gunman sooner and for allowing the incident to occur. However, the agency has since beefed up security measures for Trump, following a previous shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a state probe into the incident, seeking answers about how the suspect was able to get so close to Trump. Former Secret Service directors praised the agency’s response to the situation, describing how a “moving bubble” of agents protects Trump on the golf course.
Despite the scare, Trump continued with his campaign events, expressing his gratitude to the Secret Service and others who helped prevent a tragedy. The incident highlighted the ongoing security challenges for high-profile figures like Trump, but also showcased the dedication and quick response of law enforcement and civilians in keeping public figures safe.
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