[USA Flag Waving.  Photo credit: Pexels]

Former President of the United States, Donald Trump, was reportedly the target of an alleged assassination attempt on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to local law enforcement.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County revealed in an interview that the incident was first reported at 1:30 pm by a member of the Secret Service who heard numerous gunshots being fired in the area.

In the same interview, Bradshaw disclosed that a Secret Service agent positioned one hole ahead of Trump spotted what appeared to be an AK-type rifle protruding through the golf course fences, prompting the agent to engage the suspect.

While the suspect was successful in his escape, a witness in the area provided authorities with a description of the getaway vehicle - a black Nissan SUV.

The vehicle was later located and stopped approximately 50 miles from the golf course.

The 58-year-old suspected shooter, Ryan Wesley Routh, has been apprehended and placed in custody by local officials.

If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Investigators have uncovered that Routh had been critical of Trump’s political campaign, with social media posts dating back to 2020.

In one tweet, Routh wrote, “@realDonaldTrump While you were my choice in 2016, I and the world hoped that President Trump would be different and better than the candidate, but we all were greatly disappointed, and it seems you are getting worse and devolving."

Routh also reportedly commented on a recent shooting incident in Pennsylvania, suggesting that President Biden and the Vice President should attend the victim’s funeral.

Law enforcement has recovered several items of evidence, including an SKS-style 7.62x39 caliber rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tile, and a GoPro camera.

These items are currently undergoing DNA testing.

Cell phone data provided to the FBI by Routh’s service provider indicates that he was in the vicinity when the Secret Service agent spotted the rifle barrel.

Sheriff Bradshaw emphasized that the agent’s quick action may have been crucial, as Trump was reportedly between 300 to 500 yards away from the suspected shooter’s position.

Following the incident, Trump sent out an email through his campaign office, 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!”

President Biden and Vice President Harris expressed their relief regarding Trump's safety.

A White House statement read, “They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team.”

Trump has since commended the U.S. Secret Service for their swift and effective call to action.

In a subsequent interview, he compared this incident to a previous security threat, stating, “That was some crazy day, and yesterday you had another one with a different result, actually much better result.”

The investigation into this alleged assassination attempt is ongoing.