Security Concerns at Trump's Golf Course After Failed Assassination Attempt

Gaps in vegetation have been a known concern at Trump International Golf Club, allowing photographers to snap photos of the former president and other VIPs. This vulnerability was exploited by a suspected would-be assassin who camped out for hours with a rifle aimed at the course.

Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, has long been a known vantage point for photographers seeking to capture candid shots of former President Donald Trump. However, the tree line surrounding the course has also been identified as a security concern, with multiple gaps in vegetation providing potential access points.

Suspected failed assassin Ryan Wesley Routh exploited this vulnerability on September 14, 2024, by camping out under cover of darkness for nearly 12 hours. According to a federal affidavit, he brought a rifle, snacks, and a video camera and waited for an opportunity to attack Trump.

Security Concerns at Trump's Golf Course After Failed Assassination Attempt

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg acknowledged the known security concern, stating that individuals have previously used the shrubs to photograph Trump while he was golfing. He questioned why the perimeter had not been adequately secured.

Photographers who frequent the course typically announce their presence to the Secret Service and are aware of the acceptable areas for photography. However, sources speculated that the suspect may have chosen a remote area with poor sight lines to avoid detection by photographers.

Security Concerns at Trump's Golf Course After Failed Assassination Attempt

Authorities confirmed that Routh never had a clear view of Trump, unlike recent failed assassin Thomas Crooks, who opened fire on a crowd at a rally in Pennsylvania and injured several individuals.

Despite the large size of the course and the difficulty of maintaining constant surveillance, experts believe additional measures could be implemented to enhance security. Pat Diaz, a former homicide detective, suggested regular K-9 sweeps around the fence line.

Security Concerns at Trump's Golf Course After Failed Assassination Attempt

Homeless people have also been found loitering along the fence, raising further concerns. Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an investigation into security at the golf course at the state level.

According to the FBI, phone pings indicate that Routh arrived at the tree line around 2 a.m. and hid there until he was detected by a Secret Service agent at 1:30 p.m. He was subsequently apprehended about 45 minutes later on Interstate 95.

Security Concerns at Trump's Golf Course After Failed Assassination Attempt

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe praised the agent's quick response, describing it as a "textbook" reaction. He emphasized the heightened threat environment facing the Secret Service in recent months.

An eyewitness provided descriptions of Routh and his vehicle, which aided in his apprehension. Routh had a history of felony convictions, including possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction. In 2019, the FBI received a tip that he might be in possession of a firearm despite his felony status.

Security Concerns at Trump's Golf Course After Failed Assassination Attempt