Breaking news: Armed suspect arrested after apparent assassination attempt at Trump Golf Club

WASHINGTON, DC (NewsDakota.com) – A man armed with a scope was arrested after allegedly pointing the weapon at former President Donald Trump's golf club, police said. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after fleeing the scene. The FBI is calling the incident an apparent assassination attempt on the Republican presidential candidate.

U.S. Secret Service agents shot Routh, who was armed with an AK rifle and hiding in bushes near the golf course about 350 to 450 yards from Trump. Trump was playing a hole nearby at the time. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the suspect also left two backpacks hanging on a fence and filmed with a GoPro camera. Routh fled in an SUV but was arrested in a neighboring county.

The incident is another highlight of an already turbulent campaign season for Trump, who survived an earlier assassination attempt just two months ago when a bullet grazed his ear at a rally in Pennsylvania. Days after that attack, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

In an email to his supporters, Trump reassured his followers: “There was a shooting near me, but before the rumor mill gets out of control, I want you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND I AM FINE! Nothing will stop me. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

Secret Service agents, who normally secure the area around Trump by patrolling several holes in front of and behind him, noticed Routh before the situation escalated. The golf course was partially closed to Trump as agents moved quickly to respond to the threat.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive for the incident.