Trump safe after gunshots reported in his vicinity in Florida, campaign team say

Donald Trump debates Kamala Harris on ABC
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))


Donald Trump is safe after gunshots were reported in his vicinity in Florida, his campaign and the Secret Service said.

It was not immediately clear whether the reported shots on Sunday afternoon (September 15) were targeted at the Republican presidential nominee. The US Secret Service said it was investigating and that the incident occurred shortly before 2pm local time.

“The former president is safe,” according to the Secret Service. Two months ago, Mr Trump was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, and a bullet grazed his ear.

READ MORE: Police descend near cemetery after human remains found from historic burial site

Mr Trump had returned to Florida this weekend from a West Coast visit that included a Friday night rally in Las Vegas and a Utah fundraiser. The campaign did not immediately provide any additional details.

No injuries were reported, according to a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had both been briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House added they are “relieved” to know Mr Trump is safe.

A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation said officials were trying to determine whether the shots were fired near Mr Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course or on the grounds. The official was not authorised to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Mr Trump often spends the morning playing golf, before having lunch at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, which is one of three he owns in the state. Mr Trump has had a stepped-up security footprint since the assassination attempt in July.

When he has been at Trump Tower in New York, a line-up of trucks have parked in a wall outside the building. And at outdoor rallies, he now speaks from behind an enclosure of bulletproof glass.

A message sent to campaign officials seeking information on the security status and location of JD Vance, Mr Trump’s running mate, was not immediately returned.

Max Egusquiza, of Palm Beach, described the emergency response outside Mr Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course.

“From what I saw, five black unmarked SUVs blocked in a grey Mercedes in front of the golf course. There were about 20 or more cop cars flying from nearby streets,” he said.