A second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has sparked outrage and calls for enhanced security measures. The incident occurred on Sunday at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, just nine weeks after a similar attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., demanded that the U.S. Secret Service expand its protective perimeter around Trump, stating, “Two assassination attempts in 60 days on a former President & the Republican nominee is unacceptable.” Khanna urged the Secret Service to appear before Congress to outline their resource needs for enhancing security measures.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed his concern about the incident, highlighting the need for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. “There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind,” he wrote.
The suspect in the latest attempt, identified as Ryan Routh, was apprehended by law enforcement after fleeing the scene. Authorities report that Secret Service agents noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle protruding from the shrubbery near the golf course, prompting an agent to fire shots. Routh dropped the rifle and fled, leaving behind the weapon, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera.
The incident has raised questions about the Secret Service’s ability to protect Trump, especially after the admitted failures in preventing the first assassination attempt in July. The Secret Service is facing renewed scrutiny as they navigate the challenges of protecting a high-profile individual in a polarized political climate.
While Trump assured his supporters in an email that he was safe and would not be deterred, the incident has left a lasting impact, prompting a national conversation about security and political violence.
