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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)

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

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

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

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

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

Governor Kay Ivey

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth

Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed

Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter

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

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