The incident happened on Sunday as Trump was playing golf on his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Several Secret Service agents opened fire on the alleged gunman as he hid in bushes near the property line of the golf course, just a few hundred yards from where Trump was playing, law enforcement officials said.
The suspect was later arrested and identified by American media as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. According to the FBI, he left an AK-47-style assault rifle, two backpacks, and other items at the scene of the incident.
The apparent attempt on Trump's life came just two months after he was shot at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, sustaining a minor injury to his right ear.
Both incidents highlight the challenges of keeping presidential candidates safe in a hotly contested and polarized campaign with just over seven weeks to go before the November 5 election.
Late on Sunday night, Trump posted on social media, thanking law enforcement personnel for their “incredible job” of keeping him safe. He added:
“THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
It was not clear if or how the suspect knew Trump was playing golf at the time or what his motive was, but the attempted attack will raise new questions about the level of protection he is given.
In response to a reporter’s question, officials acknowledged that since Trump is not in office, the entire golf course was not cordoned off.
"If he was, we would have had the entire golf course surrounded," Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said during Sunday's briefing. "Because he’s not, security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible."
According to a statement released by the White House, President Joe Biden said that he is “relieved that the former President is unharmed.” He had directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has the resources it needs to ensure Trump's safety.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said in a statement released on Sunday that she is “deeply disturbed” by the possible assassination attempt on Trump’s life and that she “condemn[s] political violence.” She added:
“We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence. I am thankful that former President Trump is safe.”
