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In an exchange with a reporter, Bradshaw confirmed the details, clarifying how the agent’s proactive position allowed them to spot the weapon before any harm could occur. One reporter asked for clarification, stating, “So I just want to understand, there was a rifle — so one of the agents saw, on the golf course, a rifle pointing out of the fence?” To which Bradshaw affirmed the agent’s quick response in recognizing and reacting to the threat.
The would-be assassin was positioned just one or two holes ahead of Trump’s location on the golf course, raising concerns about how close the former president came to danger. When asked about the distance, an official explained, “It was one or two holes behind…our agents will get there first, clear it. He noticed that the rifle was pointing out, our agents engaged.”
The proximity was enough to raise alarm, with Trump’s location being only about 300 to 500 yards away from where the rifle was spotted. Sheriff Bradshaw emphasized, “With a rifle and a scope like that, that’s not a long distance.” This highlights how serious the threat was, and how close Trump came to potential harm.
WATCH:
Once the immediate threat was neutralized, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the situation. The White House quickly issued a statement expressing relief that Trump was safe. “The White House said that they are ‘relieved to know that he is safe,’” following the incident, underscoring the significance of the attempt on the life of a former president.
The incident sparked a flurry of responses from politicians and Trump’s allies. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis swiftly took to social media, declaring that his state would thoroughly investigate the attempt on Trump’s life. DeSantis posted, “The people deserve the truth about the would-be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee.”
Trump’s closest advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, sent an all-staff memo shortly after the attempt, reminding the team of the seriousness of the situation. “Today, for the second time in two months, an evil monster attempted to take the life of President Trump,” they wrote, praising the United States Secret Service for their protection and urging everyone to remain alert. “Your safety is always our top priority. We ask that you remain vigilant in your daily comings and goings,” the memo added.
In a brief statement, Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign communications director, confirmed, “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time.”
True to his resilient persona, Trump addressed his supporters directly following the incident, assuring them that nothing would stop him. In a campaign statement, Trump declared, “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.”
The incident raises many questions about security and how such a close call was allowed to happen. With investigations already underway, officials and the public alike are anxiously awaiting more details on the assailant and how they managed to come within such a dangerous distance of the former president. One thing is clear—the quick thinking and actions of the Secret Service undoubtedly saved lives that day.
