A gunman was able to get close to Donald Trump at his Florida golf course because he does not have the same security as a sitting president, officials said.
The would-be assassin is believed to have used an AK-47 while the former president was playing golf at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach around 1 p.m. Sunday.
Ryan Wesley Routh, a registered Democrat, has been identified by police as the suspect now in custody.
Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters at a news conference that the Secret Service had a “limited” ability to protect Trump on the golf course.
“The golf course is surrounded by brush, so if someone climbs into the brush, they’re pretty much out of sight. And at the height he’s at now, he’s not the sitting president,” Bradshaw said.
A gunman with an AK-47 was able to get within 300 to 500 yards of Donald Trump as he played golf in West Palm Beach on Sunday
Ryan Wesley Routh (pictured), a registered Democrat, has been identified by police as the suspect now in custody
The suspect was able to get within 300 to 500 yards of Trump and was stationed outside the club around the 5th and 6th holes
“If he was, we would have this entire golf course surrounded. But because he’s not, security is limited to the areas the Secret Service deems possible.
“So I imagine the next time he comes to the golf course, there’s probably going to be a few more people around the perimeter. But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done.”
Special Agent Rafael Barros explained at Sunday’s press conference that the Secret Service accompanies Trump and typically inspects one or two holes for him when he plays a round of golf.
Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach is located just off three major roads – Kirk Road, Summit Boulevard and Congress Avenue – and near Palm Beach International Airport.
Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (pictured) said the Secret Service had a “limited” ability to protect Trump on the golf course because he is not the sitting president
Footage revealed the backpack, GoPro camera and AK-47-style rifle left behind by the shooter
Trump was often seen from Kirk Road playing golf during his presidency, but members of the media were not allowed on the sidewalks nearby while he was playing, reports said. CNN.
After he left office, some restrictions were lifted, and the public now has a clear view of Trump from the sidewalks on Summit Boulevard and Congress Avenue.
Footage shows the shooter leaving behind a backpack, a GoPro camera and an AK-47-style rifle as he fled the scene.
According to officials, U.S. Secret Service agents saw a gun barrel sticking out of the bushes two holes away from where Trump was golfing Sunday and fired at the suspect.
Thomas Matthew Crooks (pictured) opened fire on the former president in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13
Trump was shot in the ear during the assassination attempt
The suspect was able to get within 300 to 500 yards of Trump and positioned himself outside the club around the 5th and 6th holes, which appear to be vulnerable spots on the course because they are closest to the road.
The incident comes as Trump has ramped up security in the two months since the former president was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.
Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on the former president with the AR-style rifle he had received from his father.
The potential assassin was spotted by witnesses before the shooting, and the Secret Service and police were alerted to his presence.
