On September 15, 2024, there was a second assassination attempt on former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election. This attempt occurred amidst an intense electoral competition between Trump and Kamala Harris, just days after a debate where Harris appeared to be in a stronger position, receiving praise from many observers. It’s possible that Trump might try to leverage this new assassination attempt to boost his electoral chances and apply more pressure on the Biden administration.
A Repeated Threat
Preliminary information about the shooting incident near Republican candidate Donald Trump at his Trump Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, highlights several points.
First, the suspect was arrested after fleeing the scene. U.S. police reported that a man fired a gun outside the golf club near Trump’s resort in Florida. The Palm Beach Police Department stated that a Secret Service agent noticed the barrel of a rifle protruding from the fence at Trump’s golf course and responded by firing at the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Roth. The agents engaged with the shooter, exchanging at least four magazines of bullets. Police reported that the suspect was approximately 365 to 457 meters away from Trump’s location on the course, hiding among the bushes close by.
Steve Bradshaw, the Palm Beach police chief, said in a press conference that after the shots were fired, the area was immediately locked down, and police were able to locate the suspect after a witness reported seeing a man running near some trees before jumping into a black car. Authorities issued a statewide alert with the vehicle’s details. While officials did not provide further details about the suspect’s identity or motive, media reports indicated that the suspect was Ryan Wesley Roth.
Secondly, the attack involved an AK-47 Kalashnikov. Official security information revealed that the suspect near Trump was in possession of a Russian-made AK-47 and two backpacks at the site where he was hiding among the trees. This large-caliber weapon can hit targets up to 800 meters away and is frequently used in political violence and terrorist incidents due to its affordability and ease of use.
Thirdly, the suspect appeared to have planned to document the assassination attempt. During a press conference involving the Palm Beach County mayor, a representative of the Secret Service, and the FBI, it was revealed that the suspect had a GoPro camera. This suggests that he intended to film the event after shooting Trump, potentially for political promotion, a tactic often employed by criminals involved in political violence.
Fourthly, the suspect had a troubled criminal record. According to available data, Ryan Wesley Roth, 58, had a history of run-ins with the law, some dating back to the 1990s. His arrests include drug possession, driving without a license, and operating a vehicle without insurance. In 2002, Roth was arrested after a three-hour standoff with security forces during which he used a firearm. In a 2022 interview with Newsweek Romania, Roth expressed pro-Ukrainian views in its conflict with Russia and his efforts to recruit foreign fighters to join Ukraine. Available information also points to his strong opposition to Trump, frequently criticizing him on social media.
The Trump campaign has been cautious in handling the details of the assassination attempt. Initial statements from Trump and his campaign have avoided labeling the incident as a deliberate assassination attempt. This could be due to the lack of injuries from the shooting, unlike the first incident in July 2024, which was captured on camera and showed Trump being wounded.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, stated that Trump was “safe after the shooting near him” and added that “no further details are available at this time.” Trump’s email statement was similarly measured: “I heard gunshots near me, but before rumors spiral out of control, I want to say: I’m okay and healthy.” This cautious language suggests that Trump and his team are hesitant to frame the event as a direct attempt on his life.
However, once more information emerged, this cautious approach shifted. Campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles wrote on September 15, 2024, “Today, for the second time in two months, an evil monster tried to take President Trump’s life… Fortunately, no one was injured at the golf course. President Trump and everyone with him are grateful for the excellent work of the U.S. Secret Service.”
Previous Security Concerns
Secret Service officials had previously voiced concerns about the safety of Trump at his open-access golf courses, especially those near areas of high traffic. The shooting near the West Palm Beach course is likely to escalate concerns about Trump’s security at these venues. The incident may prompt U.S. security agencies to ask Trump to limit his presence to highly secured golf courses. Palm Beach Police Chief Bradshaw confirmed that security measures were being enhanced at Trump’s golf course.
Additionally, the fact that the shooting took place near Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago raises concerns that individuals targeting him are closing in on his private spaces during his holidays, not just exploiting his large campaign rallies, which have seen increased security after the July 2024 incident.
Potential Implications
The second assassination attempt on Trump could have significant repercussions on the presidential race. Several possible outcomes are worth noting.
Trump is likely to emphasize his ability to withstand threats. This was evident in his statements following the attempt, where he said, “I heard gunfire nearby, but before rumors get out of control, I want you to hear this first: I’m safe and healthy… Nothing will stop me. I will never give up.”
Republicans may use this incident to their advantage. The GOP might frame Trump as a targeted candidate, thereby leveraging sympathy from undecided voters.
Trump will likely try to gain ground over Harris. By portraying himself as resilient and unwavering in the face of danger, Trump may aim to capitalize on the incident to outshine Harris. This comes after a debate on September 10, 2024, in which Harris performed exceptionally well, earning praise from a broad audience. A CNN poll showed that 63% of viewers believed Harris outperformed Trump in the debate.
Republicans might also question the adequacy of Trump’s security. While the response to the attempt showcased the effectiveness of U.S. security agencies, the fact that there have been repeated attempts on Trump’s life could prompt further Republican criticism of the current administration’s commitment to Trump’s safety.
The U.S. Secret Service, which protects presidents and other high-ranking figures, could face increased scrutiny. After the previous shooting incident involving Trump in Pennsylvania, the agency was heavily criticized, leading to the resignation of its director, Kimberly Cheatle, and the administrative suspension of at least five employees.
With the recurrence of such incidents, pressure on the Secret Service will likely intensify, raising questions about its ability to ensure Trump’s safety as the election approaches. However, the agency may counter these doubts by highlighting that one of its agents detected the rifle barrel and acted promptly, preventing any threat to Trump.
Kamala Harris will likely seek to downplay any attempt by Trump to exploit the incident. Harris stated, “I’ve been briefed about reports of gunfire near former President Trump’s property in Florida, and I’m glad he’s safe.” She added, “There is no place for violence in the United States.” President Biden also instructed the Secret Service to ensure Trump’s safety.
The second assassination attempt highlights the growing threat of political violence in the U.S. Some view Trump’s rhetoric as divisive, provoking anger among certain segments of society, which may lead to violence. This raises concerns about an increase in political violence and possible retaliatory actions in a deeply polarized America. The Secret Service has described the situation in the U.S. as “dangerous times.”
In conclusion, the latest assassination attempt on Trump underscores the ongoing security challenges within the U.S. These challenges are exacerbated by widespread gun ownership, deepening political polarization, and the presence of extremist groups with radical ideologies in the U.S. and the broader Western world.
