Trump Releases Statement Following Attempted Assassination; Kamala, Biden Follow Suit

 Former President Donald Trump released a statement late on Sunday night after an attempted assassination on Sunday at a golf course he owns in Florida.

“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” Trump posted on social media. “Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE.”

“THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING,” he added. “I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”

Authorities arrested 58-year-old Ryan Routh — a Democrat donor with a criminal history — after the Secret Service noticed his AK-47-style rifle as he hid in some shrubbery only a few hundred yards away from Trump at Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach. When he was engaged by federal law enforcement officials, he ran and got into a car and drove off. Fortunately, a witness got a photo of the car and the license plate, allowing police to quickly locate him and take him into custody.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was briefed on the situation and “relieved that the former President is unharmed.”

“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety,” he said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democrat presidential nominee, said in her official capacity as VP that she was “deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt.”

“As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,” she said. I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance. As President Biden said, our Administration will ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission.”

 

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office released photographs showing where they caught Routh traveling northbound on I-95 in a black Nissan SUV.

“Northbound I-95 at 714 is shut down,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Based on BOLO information released by Palm Beach County, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has stopped a vehicle and taken a suspect into custody believed to be connected to a shooting incident at Trump International in Palm Beach County.”

The FBI said it was investigating “what appears to be an attempted assassination of” the former president, at least the second time that someone has tried to kill him. Trump was shot in the head in July during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and the Secret Service was criticized for failing to provide adequate protection.