Donald Trump says he is “safe and well” after what the FBI says “appears to be an attempted assassination” on the former president at his Florida golf course
A Secret Service agent spotted an AK-47-style weapon poking out of bushes on the golf course about a hole ahead of where Trump was playing, and engaged the suspect
A witness then saw a man flee in a black Nissan, which was later pulled over by a sheriff and the potential suspect was arrested
A weapon, scope, backpacks and GoPro camera were found in shrubs near the edge of the golf course
The suspect has been identified by the BBC’s US partner CBS News as Ryan Wesley Routh, a man reportedly in his late 50s
Routh was deeply involved in efforts to get foreign fighters into Ukraine to battle against the Russian Army, according to his social media.
Agents search suspect’s former home in North Carolina
published at 03:40 British Summer Time
03:40 BST
Fresh images show Secret Service and Homeland Security agents at the former home of Ryan Routh in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Ryan Wesley Routh, in his 50s, has been identified by US media as a suspect following the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Florida.
Suspect was passionate about Ukraine support
published at 03:15 British Summer Time
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Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect named by US media in connection with the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, told the New York Times in 2023 that he wanted to assist the war effort in Ukraine, and was seeking to recruit Afghan soldiers who had fled the Taliban.
In a telephone interview with the paper, external, Routh said dozens of soldiers had expressed interest. He also said he planned to move them from Pakistan and Iran to Ukraine, in some cases illegally.
“We can probably purchase some passports through Pakistan, since it’s such a corrupt country,” he said.
Routh also told NYT at the time that he was in Washington to meet with the US Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe “for two hours” to help push for more support for Ukraine.
Routh appears to have been engaged in recruitment efforts right up until as recently as July.
One Facebook post from July read in part: “Soldiers, please do not call me. We are still trying to get Ukraine to accept Afghan soldiers and hope to have some answers in the coming months… please have patience.”
Suspect has past felony convictions, CBS News reports
published at 02:59 British Summer Time
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The suspect, who has been named in US media as Ryan Wesley Routh, was charged and convicted of several felony offenses in Guilford County North Carolina between 2002 and 2010, a law enforcement source tells the BBC’s US partner CBS News.
These include carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, a hit-and-run offence, driving with a revoked license and possessing stolen property.
‘There is no place for political violence or for any violence’ – Biden
published at 01:45 British Summer Time
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Breaking
US President Joe Biden has just issued a statement.
He says he has been briefed on the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and thanks the Secret Service and law enforcement for keeping the former president safe.
“I am relieved that the former president is unharmed,” Biden says.
Quote Message
As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
Biden says he has directed his team to continue to ensure that Secret Service “has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president’s continued safety”.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris says she’s thankful Trump is safe
published at 04:06 British Summer Time
04:06 BST
Breaking
Vice President Kamala Harris has issued a fuller statement following the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, expressing gratitude for Trump’s safety.
“I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former president Trump today,” Harris says in the statement, issued via the White House.
“As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.”I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the US Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance. As President Biden said, our Administration will ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission.”
Harris had earlier tweeted saying “violence has no place in America”.
Trump is ‘unstoppable’, House speaker says
House Speaker Mike Johnson has called Donald Trump “unstoppable” after the apparent attempted assassination attempt on the former president.
Johnson, a Republican, says he and his wife, Kelly, spent a few hours at Mar-a-Lago with Trump today, as he shares a group photo on X.
“No leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient. He is unstoppable,” he writes.
