FBI describes incident labeled as 'assassination attempt' on Trump as 'serious'

Acting U.S. Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe held a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, alongside other officials regarding the incident described as an assassination attempt on Trump.

Rowe stated that Trump is receiving "the highest level" of security at his Florida property, just as he did when he was president, and that he is aware of this.

"President (Joe) Biden has made it clear that he wants the highest level of protection for former President Trump and Vice President (Kamala) Harris," said Rowe, noting that the Secret Service is being vigilant even regarding the most sensitive security details.

He emphasized that suspect Ryan Wesley Routh may have been lying in wait in the bushes for around 11 hours, but that Trump was not in his line of sight.

HE REPORTEDLY WANTED TO RECRUIT AFGHAN MERCENARIES TO FIGHT IN UKRAINE

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Veltri, an official from the FBI's Miami Field Office, stated that they are investigating all aspects of the incident and have interviewed the suspect's family and associates, adding, "The FBI views the incident, which is being treated as an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, as 'very serious'."

Noting that suspect Routh appeared active online on social media platforms during the incident, the FBI official said that all of Routh's social media accounts are being examined.

Veltri also mentioned that the suspect had posts stating he "wanted to find mercenaries from Afghanistan to fight in Ukraine."

Stating that they are still investigating whether the suspect was working alone or with others, Veltri added that they aim to obtain search warrants for Routh's vehicle, mobile phone, and other electronic devices to uncover more comprehensive findings.

Local law enforcement officials who took the floor explained that they found an AK-47 style rifle with an obliterated serial number, a digital camera, a bag, and some food in the suspect's possession.

THE INCIDENT

Gunshots were heard near where Trump was located in Florida on the evening of September 15, and it was subsequently reported that he was safe.

Campaign communications director Steven Cheung shared the information, "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. There are no further details at this time."

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., announced on his X account that an AK-47 weapon was found in the bushes at the scene by local law enforcement after the incident and that a suspect had been apprehended.

Sources speaking to the AP stated that a Secret Service agent opened fire on the suspect while Trump, whom he was tasked with protecting, was playing golf.

In an email to his supporters, Trump emphasized that he would "never give up," stating, "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I am safe and well."

Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 with an injury to his ear.