>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
Bongino’s response suggested a broader security recalibration may be underway inside the FBI and Secret Service. The rise in sniper-style threats has put federal protective agencies on high alert, especially during Trump’s frequent visits to Palm Beach, Florida.
WATCH:
Agents reportedly found the stand on Thursday. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News the bureau is taking full control of the case and aggressively pursuing leads. Patel stated that the device has not yet been linked to a specific suspect. “Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone,” Patel explained.
“No individuals were located at the scene. The FBI has since taken the investigatory lead, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the scene, and deploying our cell phone analytics capabilities,” he added.
U.S. Secret Service chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi also confirmed joint efforts between multiple agencies. He said the stand was discovered during “advance security preparations” ahead of Trump’s return to his Mar-A-Lago residence.
“There was no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved at the location,” Guglielmi told Fox News. “While we are not able to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures.”
According to law enforcement sources, the stand may have been in place “months ago” — possibly before any scheduled events at the site. If that timeline proves accurate, it would indicate a carefully planned operation that went unnoticed until the recent security sweep.
The timing of the incident is especially alarming. Just weeks ago, 59-year-old Ryan Routh was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course. Routh had set up his own hunting stand as a sniper’s nest along a fence line. The plot was foiled after he was spotted by a Secret Service agent, leading to a manhunt that ended with his capture in nearby Martin County.
The similarities between Routh’s tactics and the newly discovered platform have not gone unnoticed by investigators. While authorities have not confirmed any connection between the two incidents, the discovery is fueling speculation that Trump remains a top target for politically motivated violence.
This latest security scare has sparked new debate about the growing sophistication of potential threats. Unlike more visible security breaches, sniper-style setups can be built quietly and left in place for months, making detection harder.
Bongino emphasized the seriousness of the situation. The FBI, Secret Service, and local law enforcement are now coordinating a multi-layered investigation to determine whether the structure was part of a broader plot.
For now, Trump’s upcoming appearances are expected to face increased protective measures. Law enforcement officials have made it clear they will treat this discovery as more than an isolated incident.
