Donald Trump survives another assassination attempt as secret service foils plan

Former US President Donald Trump was safe after the Secret Service foiled what the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) called an apparent assassination attempt on the Republican candidate for President while he was golfing in Florida.

Several Secret Service agents fired on a gunman in bushes after he was spotted near the edge of Trump's West Palm Beach golf course, a few hundred yards from where the former US President was playing on Sunday, law enforcement officials said.

The suspect, Ryan Wesley, was arrested after fleeing the scene in a vehicle, leaving behind two backpacks and an AK-47-style assault rifle.


The apparent attempt on Trump's life came just two months after he was grazed in the right ear when a gunman fired on him at a campaign rally.

That shooter was killed in return fire by security agents.

Both incidents highlight the challenge of keeping presidential candidates safe in a febrile campaign, with just over seven weeks to go before the Nov. 5 election.

"I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes - It was certainly an interesting day!," Trump said on social media late on Sunday, thanking Secret Service and police for keeping him safe.

The attempted attack raises fresh questions about the level of protection for Trump, who is guarded by the Secret Service as a candidate and former President, though less stringently than a serving President.

Soon after the incident, Trump sent an email to his supporters, saying: "Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!"His election opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, said on X: "Violence has no place in America."

President Joe Biden directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has the resources it needs to ensure Trump's safety. Biden and Harris had been briefed and were relieved to know Trump was safe, the White House said in a statement.