Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, along with Jeffrey Veltri, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, and Rafael Barros, special agent in charge of the US Secret Service’s Miami field office, addressed the media at a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024. This followed a shooting incident at former President Donald Trump’s golf course. Trump’s campaign reported on Sunday that there were “gunshots in his vicinity,” but assured that the Republican presidential candidate was unharmed.
A man hiding an AK-47 in bushes near Trump International Golf Course was detained after what the FBI describes as an “apparent attempted assassination.” The U.S. Secret Service confirmed a “protective incident” involving the former president shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday, and confirmed that Trump was safe.
The shooting occurred near the golf course after agents fired shots at the suspected assassin. This incident follows a previous assassination attempt in Pennsylvania where Trump was grazed by a bullet.
### Details of the Incident
Around 1:30 p.m., the Secret Service reported gunshots at the golf course. Sheriff Bradshaw confirmed that deputies and agents found an AK-47 with a scope, along with two backpacks and a GoPro, in nearby bushes. The items are currently being processed by investigators. At the time, Trump was 300 to 500 yards away from the location where the weapon was found. Sheriff Bradshaw expressed concern about the weapon’s scope and the potential security risks.
A witness identified the suspect as a man seen in the bushes, who was later observed fleeing in a black Nissan. The witness took a photo of the vehicle and its license plate. The sheriff praised the Secret Service for their actions and the collaboration among law enforcement agencies, which led to the suspect’s apprehension.
### Federal Investigation and Suspect Details
A Secret Service official confirmed that agents fired at the gunman. The FBI is leading the investigation, with Jeffrey Veltri urging the public to avoid the area and provide any information to the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI or tips.fbi.gov.
Law enforcement sources revealed that the case is being managed by the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The suspect, who will appear in West Palm Beach federal court on Monday, faces federal charges, though specific charges have not yet been disclosed. Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg stated that prosecutors are working on search warrants and plan to keep the suspect in custody pending trial.
### Arrest and Security Response
Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder reported that the suspect was apprehended after his vehicle was spotted on Interstate 95. The vehicle was pulled over, and northbound I-95 at 714 was closed. The suspect was not armed when detained. The FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office are currently on the scene, which has resulted in road closures.
### Reactions from Officials
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident and expressed relief that Trump was safe, according to a statement from the Biden administration.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
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