PHOENIX — For the second time in about two months, former President Donald Trump was targeted in an apparent assassination attempt, with the latest happening Sunday at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to the FBI, the former president was playing a round of golf on Sunday when U.S. Secret Service agents a few holes ahead saw an AK-style rifle sticking out through some shrubs along the course.
One Secret Service agent fired at the weapon, causing the gunman to drop it and drive away in an SUV. The suspect left behind the gun, two backpacks, a scope and a GoPro camera, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
The suspect was later taken into custody in a county nearby.
This comes just weeks after the former president was wounded when a bullet grazed his ear while he was speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and just about 50 days ahead of the November election.
Trump sent a statement to his supporters after Sunday's incident saying, "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again."
Arizona politicians react to apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump
After Sunday's incident, many of Arizona's politicians from both sides of the aisle responded. Here's a look at what they said.
Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda
We call for an IMMEDIATE increase in security to provide President Trump with the level of resources received by a sitting President. The chaos must be brought to an end, and we must ensure our leaders can serve without coming to harm.
AZGOP will not be deterred. We are focused on the ground game and we are throwing every bit of energy we have into winning this election and saving this country.
The ONLY thing that can save this country is God and the people. President Trump and AZGOP will continue to work to earn every vote.
God Bless America.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego
Violence has no place in our democracy. The recent gunshots fired toward Donald Trump are unacceptable and disturbing. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake
I am relieved to hear that President Trump is alive and well following a reported second attempt on his life.
I pray for comfort for him and his family in the wake of this attempted assassination and an end to the demonization of a good man and his movement.
It’s time we unite as Americans and restore Trump to the Oval Office and sanity back to the world.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona 5th Congressional District)
May God continue protecting President Trump and his family.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona)
I'm thankful that former President Trump is safe. There’s no place in our democracy for political violence. Appreciate the professionalism of the Secret Service and local law enforcement who responded.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
I’m thankful to law enforcement who acted quickly today and thankful no one, including former President Trump, was harmed. We must all denounce political violence which is NEVER okay.
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