The campaign team of United States’ Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, confirmed a tense incident on Sunday, reporting “gunshots in his vicinity” while reassuring supporters that he is unharmed.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” stated campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung.
The former president was enjoying a round of golf at his West Palm Beach course, a short drive from his Mar-a-Lago residence, during a brief break from the campaign trail.
Reports indicate that the shooting occurred on the grounds of the golf course, sending shockwaves through the area.
Local law enforcement quickly responded, detaining a “person of interest” and seizing a weapon believed to be an AK-47 style rifle, according to The New York Times.
Trump was accompanied by his Secret Service detail when the shots rang out, standard practice given his high-profile status.
Authorities have yet to identify the shooter or reveal any motive behind the incident. While there is no immediate indication that Trump was the intended target, the episode has nonetheless sparked alarm given the recent surge in threats against political figures.
The unsettling event comes just two months after the former president narrowly escaped serious injury in Pennsylvania, where he was grazed by a bullet during a rally. This latest incident has reignited concerns over the safety of presidential candidates on both sides of the political spectrum.
The White House released a statement shortly afterward, revealing that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed. “They are relieved to know that he is safe,” the statement declared.
The Secret Service, still reeling from criticism over the Pennsylvania rally incident, finds itself under fresh scrutiny. Kimberly Cheatle, who headed the agency, resigned in the aftermath of that security breach, admitting that the organization had “fallen short” in its protective mission. At least five agents were placed on administrative leave in the wake of that earlier incident.
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