The Donald Trump campaign confirmed that gunshots were fired near the vicinity where the former president was located. Although specific details about his exact location during the incident were not immediately disclosed, the campaign emphasized that Trump was safe.
The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. The former president is safe. @pbso will have more details soon. pic.twitter.com/yWNvvKD3IC
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) September 15, 2024
The Secret Service, in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, launched an investigation into a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump. The event happened at the Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday at around 2:00 p.m. Officials said that Trump was uninjured at all times during the incident.
The incident's exact location could not be immediately confirmed by Reuters, and the initial reports from the national media were ambiguous. Meridith McGraw, a national journalist for Politico, however, stated that Trump was playing golf on Sunday afternoon when there was shooting at Trump National Golf Club.
The New York Post cites sources stating that there was gunfire exchanged during the shooting. These were not Trump's enemies; rather, they were fighting with one another. The shooters' identity and motivations weren't made public right away.
The co-host of War Room with Steve Bannon, Natalie Winters, further supplied details via her social media accounts. She said that in Martin County, Florida, which is northwest of West Palm Beach, a suspect had been taken into custody. Winters also stated that Trump was taken to a safe place, known as a "hard room," for his safety following the shooting.
Later that day, the Secret Service released a statement reiterating their participation in the inquiry. According to agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, the event was categorized as a "protective incident" involving Trump. He restated the safety of the former president.
Trump has already encountered many security threats this year. On July 13, Trump was hurt in an attempted assassination at a campaign event in Pennsylvania. The incident resulted in the death of one spectator and the injuries of two more. The attacker was killed by snipers from the Secret Service.
The investigation into the West Palm Beach incident is still ongoing as of right now. Federal and local law enforcement organizations are collaborating to get further information about the shooters and to evaluate the pre-incident conditions.
Authorities have not yet released any other details on potential charges or the identities of the parties involved as the investigation progresses. Regarding whether this incident will affect any future events or public appearances by the former president, the Trump campaign has not released a statement.