Trump faces second assassination attempt, Alabama lawmakers react

Former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt Sunday afternoon while golfing at his West Palm Beach club, according to reports from authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the incident, which involved a suspect armed with an AK-47-style rifle who was apprehended in a neighboring county.

Trump was on the fifth hole at the Trump International Golf Club when Secret Service agents, stationed one hole ahead, spotted a rifle barrel protruding from a fence roughly 400 yards away. The agent immediately fired several shots, causing the suspect to flee the scene in an SUV. Authorities later identified the man as Ryan Wesley Routh, who was stopped and arrested without incident.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County reported that law enforcement found the rifle, along with two backpacks filled with ceramic tiles, commonly used in body armor, and a GoPro camera near the site. The suspect reportedly did not fire any rounds during the incident.

Trump, who was unharmed, posted to Truth Social after the incident: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL,” Trump wrote. “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again.”

RELATED: Trump rally shooting being investigated as assassination attempt

The assassination attempt is the second incident targeting Trump. In July, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a shooter fired eight rounds from a nearby rooftop, grazing Trump’s ear, killing 50-year-old firefighter and father, Corey Comperatore.

Alabama’s Republican lawmakers began calling for prayers for President Trump’s safety on Sunday, some raising urgency around the gaps in his security operation.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile)

I’m very thankful President Trump is safe and unharmed.

Let us pray for the Trump family as they process yet another assassination attempt.

— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) September 15, 2024

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise)

Pray for President Trump. Pray for America. https://t.co/TpJPIBPzFJ

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) September 15, 2024

U.S. Rep Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville)

I’m thankful President Trump is safe and that no was hurt in what appears to be the latest attempt on his life.

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) September 15, 2024

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover)

I’m thankful President Trump is safe and unharmed.

Please join me in praying for the Trump family. https://t.co/VNrDNM9F6w

— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) September 15, 2024

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery)

I’m grateful that President Trump is safe. Please pray for him, his family, and our nation. https://t.co/o9uOIBrvC2

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) September 15, 2024

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn)

I’m glad to hear President Trump is safe.

Join me in praying for him and for our country.

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) September 15, 2024

Governor Kay Ivey

I am grateful President Trump is safe following a second assassination attempt. Yet again, an attempt has been made on his life, and like Americans across the country, I am very concerned. I will continue praying for his safety and for our country.

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 15, 2024

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth

We must all give thanks that God spared President Trump from harm today. After the Butler shooting, Trump's protection should have been so tight that a mosquito couldn't get close without clearance. President Trump, his family, and our nation  must not go through this again.

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) September 16, 2024

Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed

I’m thankful President Trump is safe following another assassination attempt on his life.

Please join me in prayer for our country, President Trump, and his family.

— Senator Greg Reed (@SenatorGregReed) September 16, 2024

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter

I’m grateful President Trump is safe following a second attempt on his life. Please join me in praying for our country.

— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) September 16, 2024

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270