Trump Family, Allies React After Second Attempt on His Life

Supporters of former President Donald Trump expressed strong reactions following a second attempt on his life in as many months. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at his international golf course near Palm Beach, Florida.

The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, is listed as residing in Hawaii. When apprehended, authorities discovered an AK-47-style rifle equipped with a scope, a GoPro camera, and a backpack, according to various reports.

Routh, originally from North Carolina, has a criminal record that includes charges such as simple drug possession, driving without a license, expired vehicle inspection, and operating a vehicle without insurance. In 2002, the Greensboro News & Record reported that Routh was involved in a three-hour standoff after barricading himself in his roofing company’s office. This standoff followed a traffic stop where he allegedly placed his hand on a firearm before fleeing, Fox News reported.

Records show Routh moved to Hawaii in 2017, where he established a new construction business aimed at building simple housing solutions for homeless individuals, as indicated by a LinkedIn profile believed to be his.

"This doesn’t seem like a random guy walking near Trump’s club with an AK-47," an official remarked after the incident.

Fox News host Sean Hannity, a close friend of Trump, reported Sunday that he had spoken with both Trump and his golf partner, real estate mogul Steve Witkoff, about the situation. According to Hannity, the two recounted hearing "pop, pop, pop, pop" sounds while playing the fifth hole on the golf course.

“Within seconds, the Secret Service pounced on the president [and] covered him,” Hannity said on Fox News.

“Again folks! SHOTS FIRED at Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. An AK-47 was discovered in the bushes, per local law enforcement. The Trump campaign has released a statement confirming former President Trump is safe. A suspect has reportedly been apprehended,” he wrote on X.

Another Trump son, Eric Trump, added: “Serious change is needed…”

Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, Trump’s running mate, posted on X, “I’m glad President Trump is safe. I spoke to him before the news was public and he was, amazingly, in good spirits. Still much we don’t know, but I’ll be hugging my kids extra tight tonight and saying a prayer of gratitude.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican and a close Trump ally, also posted on X, “President Trump is safe and sound after ANOTHER ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT!!! Thank God!!! 🙏 They are trying to kill him!!! They will do anything to stop him from winning.”