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Former President Donald Trump was escorted to safety by the Secret Service on Sunday following a security incident at his West Palm Beach golf course, Trump International Golf Club. The incident, which involved gunshots in the vicinity of the former president, prompted an immediate lockdown of the premises, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Trump was on the course, enjoying a round of golf when the incident occurred. A statement from Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung confirmed the former president's safety but provided few additional details. "President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time," Cheung stated.

The Secret Service quickly responded to the situation, working in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the agency announced it was investigating a "protective incident" involving Trump that took place shortly before 2 p.m. "The former president is safe," the Secret Service confirmed, adding that they were continuing to work closely with local law enforcement to assess the situation.

 

According to law enforcement sources, Secret Service agents at the golf course noticed a suspicious individual and opened fire after spotting what appeared to be the barrel of a gun. It remains unclear whether the individual was on or near the course at the time of the incident. An agent reportedly discharged his weapon multiple times before the suspect was apprehended by Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies on Interstate 95.

Initial reports suggested a potential exchange of gunfire between two individuals, but investigators now believe that only the Secret Service agent fired shots. The suspect's motives are still unknown, and authorities are continuing their investigation.

The incident is the second security scare involving Trump in recent months. In July, Trump was injured at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a man named Thomas Matthew Crooks shot him in the ear. The Secret Service faced widespread criticism following that assassination attempt, raising concerns about the agency's ability to protect high-profile figures.

Following the West Palm Beach incident, Sen. Lindsey Graham took to X to express support for Trump, praising his resilience. "Just spoke with President Trump. He is one of the strongest people I've ever known. He's in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country," Graham posted.

The golf course, located about five miles inland from Mar-a-Lago, Trump's estate and frequent residence, was put on lockdown as a precautionary measure. The Secret Service's swift response to the situation underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Trump, who remains a prominent and polarizing figure in American politics.

The White House also issued a statement in response to the incident, noting that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the situation. "They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team," the statement read.