Lawmakers Condemn Political Violence After 2nd Apparent Assassination Attempt on Trump

Law enforcement personnel investigate the area around Trump International Golf Club after an apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sept. 15, 2024. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Republicans and Democrats condemned political violence following Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The FBI confirmed on Sept. 15 that it is investigating “what appears to be an attempted assassination” of the former president after shots were reported near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was golfing.

Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder said a suspect connected to the incident has been taken into custody. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the suspected gunman at the time of publication.

Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), said the Republican presidential candidate was “amazingly, in good spirits” when he spoke to him after the incident.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will conduct its own investigation into the apparent attempted assassination, noting that “the people deserve the truth about the would-be assassin” and “how he was able to get within 500 yards” of the former president.

The Republican governor was referring to comments made by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, who said the suspected gunman got between 400 and 500 yards of Trump and had an AK-47 with a scope pointed through a fence.

President Joe Biden said he was relieved that Trump was unharmed and emphasized that political violence has no place in the country. He praised the Secret Service for keeping the former president safe.

Biden added that the federal government will ensure that the Secret Service has “every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, expressed relief that Trump was safe and said she was “deeply disturbed” by the possible assassination attempt against him.

“As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,” Harris said in a statement issued by the White House.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that the Secret Service’s Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. had briefed him on the incident and praised the Secret Service for their response in ensuring Trump’s safety.

“There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind. The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Schumer stated on the social media platform X.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said his staff was briefed by the Secret Service on the suspected assassination attempt against Trump.

“Violence has no place in America. This must stop,” Durbin posted on his social media account while expressing relief that nobody was injured.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) thanked law enforcement personnel for keeping the former president safe and said that political violence is unacceptable.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) expressed gratitude that Trump is safe after what he called another “shameful attempt on his life.” Cornyn called for the prosecution of the perpetrator and urged an end to the violence.

The Palm Beach incident occurred roughly two months after an assassination attempt on Trump during a July 13 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where he was struck in the ear by a bullet. One spectator was killed in that incident, and two others were injured. The suspected shooter was killed almost immediately after he opened fire at the rally.

Task Force Requests Briefing With Secret Service

A bipartisan congressional task force investigating the July 13 shooting incident said they have requested a briefing with the Secret Service about the latest apparent attempt on the former president’s life.

Members of the FBI, Sheriff's Department, and Secret Service outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Sept. 15, 2024. Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.), the chair and ranking member of the task force, said the briefing aims to uncover details about the incident and how the Secret Service responded.

“We are thankful that the former President was not harmed, but remain deeply concerned about political violence and condemn it in all of its forms,” Kelly and Crow said in a joint statement.

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a member of the task force, stated on the social media platform X that he expects “the Secret Service to brief us this week.”

“As I’ve said before, the July 13th assassination attempt was not an isolated incident that we can take our time investigating as domestic and foreign threats are ongoing,” Waltz stated.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.