Republicans are reeling after a second apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump took place on September 15, 2024, at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident, which involved a gunman armed with an AK-47-style rifle, has sparked renewed anger among Trump's allies, who blame escalating rhetoric from Democrats and the media for inciting violence against the GOP frontrunner.
According to authorities, the gunman, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was discovered by Secret Service agents just 400 to 500 yards from Trump while he was playing golf. The suspect had hidden the weapon in nearby bushes, along with two backpacks containing ceramic tile and a GoPro camera, indicating he may have planned to record the attack. Fortunately, the Secret Service spotted the threat in time and engaged the suspect, who fled but was apprehended shortly after.
President Trump's round of golf was not on any public schedule. How did the suspect know President Trump was golfing there today and near the 5th Hole?
2nd Trump's assassination attempt. Inside Job?
God Bless President Trump! pic.twitter.com/aaMMBPXdwM
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) September 15, 2024
The FBI and the Secret Service have launched a full investigation into the incident, with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office also involved. Routh, who has a criminal history in North Carolina, including weapons violations and making terrorist threats, is facing charges at both state and federal levels.
Despite the close call, Trump was unharmed, and he quickly released a statement reaffirming his determination to continue his campaign: "I WILL NEVER SURRENDER," Trump wrote on social media.
#BreakingNews:JUST ANNOUNCED
PRESIDENT TRUMP REACTS AFTER SURVIVING 2nd TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT:“I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again.” pic.twitter.com/HZqtCCYohI
— Ape𝕏 (@CubanOnlyTrump) September 15, 2024
This is the second attempt on Trump's life in just two months. The first occurred in July during a rally in Pennsylvania, where a shooter opened fire, injuring several people and killing one attendee. At that time, Republicans rallied behind Trump, with some even suggesting the attempt solidified his chances of victory in the upcoming election.
The latest assassination attempt has only intensified partisan tensions. Republican leaders swiftly condemned what they view as a dangerous climate of political violence, with Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) pointing the finger at Democrats, accusing them of fueling hatred by portraying Trump as a dictator. "This rhetoric against President Trump… has got to stop. Enough is enough," Waltz told Fox News.
Other prominent figures on the right echoed similar sentiments. Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, claimed on social media that attempts on Trump's life would continue as long as Democrats maintain their current rhetoric. "They are going to keep trying to kill Trump," Kirk warned, adding that the violence would only cease once Republicans win in November.
Despite the seriousness of the attack, Democrats have also spoken out, condemning political violence while continuing their campaign activities. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took to social media to stress that such violence has no place in American society, even as Republicans accused the left of inflaming tensions.
