Updated 4:54 p.m. EST — The FBI is now saying that former President Donald Trump was the subject of an "apparent assassination attempt" at his Florida golf club on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.
Officials familiar with the matter shared with CBS News that an AK 47 style weapon and scope was recovered at the scene.
Original story — Former President Donald Trump’s campaign shared on Sunday that the GOP nominee was “safe following gunshots in his vicinity.” A suspect has been detained by law enforcement.
The news was shared by Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung on Sunday, offering no details other than noting that the president was safe.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Cheung said.
Two people familiar with the matter told CBS News that a male carrying a high-powered rifle was seen near the golf course pointing the rifle at it. The Secret Service found the suspect and engaged, firing at him multiple times.
CNN reported, citing a law enforcement official, that a person was detained in connection to the incident that took place at Trump International Golf Club.
“The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. The former president is safe,” the Secret Service said in a statement, NBC News reported.
NBC News reported that Trump was on the golf course’s fifth and sixth hole when gunshots were heard in the near distance.
To be safe, the Secret Service moved him to safety. Sources briefed on the matter, who spoke to CNN, also noted that officials believe the armed individual intended to target Trump.
A long gun has been recovered by the authorities, a law enforcement source told CNN.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have already issued a statement on the incident, noting they are “relieved to know that he is safe,” the White House shared.
“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,” Harris wrote on X.