Trump unharmed after shooting incident at Florida golf course; AK-47 recovered from nearby bushes

PTC News Desk: Donald Trump is unharmed following a shooting incident at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Republican presidential candidate was playing golf at the time when gunshots were reported nearby, according to a statement from his campaign team. “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said.

The incident, which has sparked a major security response, led to the detainment of a "person of interest" as reported by The New York Times, citing local law enforcement officials. A weapon was also recovered at the scene, though authorities have yet to confirm the exact circumstances of the shooting.

Trump, who was accompanied by his Secret Service detail during the incident, was not harmed, and there has been no official indication so far that he was the intended target. However, a report by CNN, based on unnamed security sources, suggested that officials are investigating whether Trump may have indeed been the target of the shooting.

In a related development, Donald Trump Jr. confirmed that an AK-47 rifle had been found concealed in bushes near the area where the former president was leaving the golf course. "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," Trump Jr. wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The White House promptly addressed the situation, with President Joe Biden issuing a statement condemning the violence. "There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country," President Biden said. He further emphasized the importance of ensuring Trump’s safety, stating, "I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president's continued safety."

Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in on the incident, expressing her relief on social media, writing, "I am glad he is safe."

This shooting follows a previous incident two months ago when Trump was injured during a rally in Pennsylvania. In that attack, a gunman opened fire, causing minor injuries to Trump’s ear. The aftermath of that event saw significant criticism directed toward the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for the protection of current and former presidents.

The fallout from the Pennsylvania shooting led to the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, the head of the Secret Service, amid widespread scrutiny of the agency's handling of presidential security. Several agents were placed on administrative leave as part of an internal investigation.

As the investigation into the West Palm Beach shooting continues, law enforcement has yet to release additional details about the suspect in custody, the motive behind the attack, or whether further threats to Trump’s safety remain. The event has once again raised concerns about the security measures surrounding the former president as he remains a central figure in the national political landscape.

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