The second Donald Trump Assassination Attempt Shooter Identified as Ryan Wesley South.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. president Donald Trump faced a second assassination attempt on September 15 while playing a round of golf at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course.
Image: Getty Images |
The incident happened just two months after a previous attempt on Trump's life at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The suspected gunman, identified as Ryan Wesley South, reportedly pointed an AK-style rifle toward the golf course before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed, and U.S. Secret Service agents quickly responded by opening fire.
According to reports from the FBI and the Associated Press, the shooting appears to have been an attempted assassination. A statement from the FBI confirmed that they are investigating the situation: “The bureau responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.”
Donald Trump, addressing his supporters in a campaign statement, reassured them of his safety: “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!”
Trump releases statement pic.twitter.com/nDLs4NsFlW
— Jacob Wheeler (@JWheelertv) September 15, 2024
Who is Ryan Wesley South?
The suspect, Ryan Wesley South, a white male in his 60s, allegedly fled the scene in an SUV after the attack. He was captured shortly afterward in a nearby neighborhood by local law enforcement.
Ryan Wesley South (Reuters ) |
Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder confirmed South’s arrest, stating, “One of my road patrol units saw the vehicle, matched the tag and we set up on the vehicle. We pinched in on the car, got it safely stopped and got the driver in custody.”
This second attempt on Trump's life follows the July 13 shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire during a Trump campaign rally. In that event, Crooks used an AR-15-style rifle from a nearby rooftop and fired several shots in Trump’s direction, one of which grazed Trump’s ear.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump during the first assassination attempt at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)AP |
Secret Service agents quickly neutralized Crooks, who was killed by a sniper team. Two people were injured in the shooting, and one person died. While Crooks’ motives remain unclear, it was discovered that he was a registered Republican and had previously made a small donation to the left-leaning Progressive Turnout Project in 2021.
The recent shooting incident in Florida has drawn reactions from political leaders. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her relief that Trump was unharmed, stating in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 15, 2024
The White House also issued statements from both Harris and President Joe Biden, condemning the violence.
As the investigation into the West Palm Beach shooting continues, many questions remain regarding South’s motives and how the attack was planned. While no injuries were reported from the Florida incident, the timing of the two assassination attempts has raised concerns about the safety of high-profile political figures. Especially as Trump’s campaign activities intensify ahead of the 2024 presidential election.