Former President Donald Trump is safe after the Secret Service shot an armed man outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, sources told Fox News.
Authorities believe the shooting may have been attempted and have arrested a suspect, a US official told Fox News. The man, whose identity was not initially disclosed, was said to have been armed with a rifle when agents shot him.
“It doesn’t look like some guy with an AK-47 is walking around outside Trump’s club,” the official added.
Authorities said the suspect, who was carrying a GoPro camera and two backpacks, pushed the muzzle of his rifle through a chain-link fence and may have been aiming at the president when agents shot him.
Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson confirmed that the Secret Service opened fire after seeing the suspect raise the weapon. The suspect fled in a black Nissan but was quickly arrested, authorities said.
Trump was on the fifth hole of his golf course when the shots were fired. His security guards surrounded him and escorted him to the safety of the clubhouse. The incident could prove to be the second assassination attempt on the former president in just two months.
Sean Hannity of Fox News Channel, citing local police authorities, said the suspect’s rifle was discovered in the bushes. Four shots were fired, Hannity also confirmed through local police authorities. Hannity said Trump’s first reaction in the clubhouse was to make sure everyone was OK.
Fox News host Bret Baier also spoke with Trump, who praised the Secret Service for its quick action. Trump assured Baier that he was fine and that there was no indication that shots had been fired near him or that anyone had struck near him.
“Tell everyone I’m fine and the Secret Service did a great job,” Trump told Baier.
The Secret Service is working closely with the authorities and is investigating the situation. US Attorney General Merrick Garland has been informed.
“The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a security incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. The former President is safe,” the agency confirmed in a post on X.
The White House confirmed the incident.
“The President and Vice President have been briefed on the security incident at Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump played golf. They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be regularly updated by their team,” the White House said in a statement.
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Fox News Digital confirmed that the Attorney General has been informed, is monitoring the situation and is receiving regular updates following the security incident at Trump International Golf Course.
This latest shooting near Trump came nearly two months after the assassination attempt on the former president. Trump was shot in the ear during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A rally attendee, Corey Comperatore of the volunteer fire department, was killed by the gunman, who was shot by a Secret Service sniper.
Fox News Digital confirmed that the Trump National Golf Club was closed as a precaution.
This is a developing story. Please check back here for updates.
Brooke Singman of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
