Trump Assassination Attempt Foiled with AK-47 Seizure

An assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump was thwarted when Palm Beach authorities apprehended Ryan Wesley Routh after a witness provided a photo of his getaway vehicle. Routh allegedly pointed an AK-47-style rifle at Trump while he was golfing on Sunday.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has announced the arrest of Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred on Sunday at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump Assassination Attempt Foiled with AK-47 Seizure

At a press conference, Bradshaw revealed that a witness alerted authorities to Routh, who was seen fleeing the scene in a black Nissan. License plate readers identified the vehicle on I-95, leading to Routh's apprehension in Martin County.

The witness later identified Routh as the individual seen running out of the bushes and into the getaway car.

Trump Assassination Attempt Foiled with AK-47 Seizure

In the bushes, authorities recovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks filled with ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera.

"The Secret Service agent on the course spotted the rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged the individual," Bradshaw explained. "The individual took off, leading to his eventual apprehension."

Trump Assassination Attempt Foiled with AK-47 Seizure

While praising the Secret Service's response, Bradshaw acknowledged the limited perimeter of protection surrounding Trump. "The golf course is surrounded by shrubbery, making it difficult to detect individuals in the area," he said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri confirmed that the FBI is leading the federal investigation, deploying investigative teams and other resources.

Trump Assassination Attempt Foiled with AK-47 Seizure

He urged the public to avoid the area and pledged the bureau's full support in the investigation alongside the Secret Service, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Martin County Sheriff's Office, and other local authorities.

Trump's representative stated that he was "safe and unharmed" after the incident.

The Secret Service has confirmed that its agents opened fire on a gunman near the property line, and the matter remains under investigation.

Routh is expected to appear in federal court on Monday morning. The incident is being investigated as a second assassination attempt on Trump.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and the full extent of Routh's involvement.