A second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, who is also a Republican presidential candidate, was prevented while he was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident involved the apprehension of a gunman near the property where Trump was present. The suspect was identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, from Hawaii, who was caught after he discarded an assault rifle and tried to flee.
In response to the assassination attempt, several prominent figures voiced their opinions and concerns. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk raised questions about the motive behind the attempts on Trump, comparing them to the lack of similar threats against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state would investigate the incident to ensure transparency regarding how the suspect managed to get close to Trump. Additionally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene commented on the stakes of the election and questioned the presence of a GoPro camera with the suspect, suggesting a conspiracy to murder Trump. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Biden both denounced political violence, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of former presidents.
The incident marks the second known assassination attempt on Trump, following a previous one in Pennsylvania in July 2024. Despite the ordeal, Trump assured his supporters of his safety, emphasizing that he was unharmed. The White House confirmed that President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed about the situation, with Harris expressing relief that Trump was unharmed and emphasizing the rejection of violence in America. The concerns and responses from various political figures and leaders highlight the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump.