Just two months after former President Donald Trump came within inches of dying from an assassin’s bullet in Pennsylvania, a Secret Service agent foiled a second attempt on a Florida golf course.
Trump was not hurt and a suspect is in custody. But officials on both sides of the political aisle say the two close calls show there are serious problems with Trump’s security. And some Trump supporters say part of the problem are partisan elements inside the federal government who are less-than-motivated to make sure Trump stays safe.
During a press conference on Sunday, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters a Secret Service agent working security around Trump at his south Florida golf course was one hole ahead of the former president when he saw a rifle barrel sticking through a chain link fence. He “immediately engaged” — firing his weapon — and the would-be shooter fled in a black Nissan.
Bradshaw said the suspect was about 300 to 500 yards from Trump before he was spotted. “With a rifle and scope like that, it’s not a long distance,” Bradshaw said.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested on Sunday. He reportedly has a lengthy criminal record in North Carolina, and he has frequently posted about politics, particularly the issue of Ukraine. He has declared on social media that “democracy is on the ballot and we cannot lose” in the 2024 election, a theme of the Kamala Harris campaign and other anti-Trump Democrats. He’s also touted his efforts to recruit people to travel to Ukraine and fight against Russia.
Trump released a statement telling supporters, “I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us.”
And in a message of defiance, Trump posted on social media: “0-2,” a reference to two missed attempts on his life.
Many of Trump’s Pennsylvania supporters, however, weren’t laughing.
“It’s unbelievable to me that we’re here at this point again,” said Christian Nascimento, chair of the Montgomery County Republican Committee. “I hope that the Secret Service has better procedures in place than they did in Butler (Pennsylvania). And I hope that the political rhetoric will change. When you continue to call someone a threat for political gain, you invite disturbed individuals to take actions like this.”
Delaware County GOP Chairman Frank Agovino also pointed a finger at the political rhetoric Democrats are directing at Trump and his supporters.
“Democrat leadership continues to antagonize the electorate by knowingly spreading lies about President Trump’s desire for authoritarian rule. These lies are making for dangerous times and every American should call for a stop to this rhetoric,” said Agovino.
And Bruce Johnson, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, said, “You can’t call somebody a Nazi and Hitler and not expect this reaction. They made him out to be a villain who is destroying democracy. People think they’re heroes by killing ‘Hitler.’ He’s well-hated.
“If he was as bad as they say he is, why lie about him?” Johnson added. “Eight years of people saying what an evil person Trump is, it’s got to have an effect on those with weak minds.”
At the national level, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat running against Trump for president, said on X, “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
President Joe Biden released a statement saying, “I am relieved that the former president is unharmed.” He also added, “I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and proactive measure necessary to ensure the former president’s continued safety.”
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick posted on Twitter, “Thank God President Trump is safe after this scary incident. We are praying for him and his family and grateful for the quick actions of our men and women in law enforcement.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) urged that Trump’s security detail be expanded.
“The level of Secret Service protection must be the same for former presidents as it is for current presidents. Both are constant targets of deranged individuals and foreign adversaries. Full USSS staffing is needed to completely secure all perimeters surrounding their protectees at all times.”
David Winkler, the Republican candidate for Congress running against Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery) is a Marine Corps and Army veteran. He called on Democrats to tone down their messaging and social media rhetoric.
“The dangerous rhetoric from the left needs to stop,” said Winkler. “It’s too divided…We’ve got to get back to policy and being Americans again,” said Winkler. “The rhetoric is over the top, as I see it. The Democrats put ads out there against President Trump and Dave McCormick that are to me inciting violence. And on social media. The Pennsylvania Democrats need to tone down their rhetoric. Stick to policy. Because I fear, as a candidate and a veteran, for President Trump’s life if they keep doing what they’re doing.”
Alfeia “Alfe” Goodwin, who is running against Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon in Delaware County, is also an Army veteran.
Goodwin said she “broke out in a cold sweat” after seeing a notice about the assassination attempt on social media. She hopes “American will understand this is not a game. This is real.”
She believes the Biden-Harris administration is signaling it’s OK to be violent.
“They have a level of tolerance for dangerous rhetoric and for violence,” said Goodwin, “that is like we’ve never seen before. And I think it fuels this type of behavior.” People think, “‘I don’t like him so why should he be alive?’ It has installed a sense of fear and for some on the hard left, that has become very traumatizing. I think Trump Derangement Syndrome is real. It’s real. These people are freaking out and becoming violent.”
Bucks County GOP Chair Pat Poprik called it “a travesty.”
“That a presidential candidate could be shot at two times during a campaign, let alone almost 2 months apart. The big question on everyone’s mind is why isn’t President Trump being given the additional protection he needs? It’s obvious to anyone that not checking the perimeter of a golf course where the president is golfing seems to be a dereliction of duty for sure. Thank God, one Secret Service agent saw the barrel of the gun and obviously saved not only the president’s life, but also of those in close proximity to him. It’s a sad commentary that some people think (this) is appropriate behavior when they disagree with someone. America has to learn to disagree with each other without becoming so disagreeable.”
Many of “the American people love and adore [Trump], most of us,” added Goodwin. “It’s just really sad these people are acting out. I just pray for him and his family.”
Please follow DVJournal on social media: X@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal
