Biden Calls for Increased Secret Service Support Following Second Assassination Attempt on Trump

Washington,DC: U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need for increased personnel within the Secret Service following a second apparent assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. During a press conference at the White House on Monday, Biden stated, “It’s clear that the Secret Service requires more support, and Congress should address these needs. We might need additional personnel.” He expressed relief that Trump was unharmed after the incident on Sunday, where Secret Service agents fired upon a suspect at Trump’s golf course in Florida.

Trump, in turn, expressed his gratitude to law enforcement agencies for their swift response. On his Truth Social platform, he thanked the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and local authorities for their efforts, remarking, “I appreciate everyone’s concern and well wishes—it was certainly an interesting day!” He conveyed that he felt safe and was proud to be an American.

The FBI is currently investigating the situation, which unfolded around 1:30 PM local time. Secret Service agents spotted an AK-47-style rifle aimed at the golf course from a considerable distance and opened fire at the suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. Although he fled the scene, Routh was apprehended shortly thereafter on Interstate 95, with authorities recovering the rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro camera near the golf course.

This marks the second assassination attempt on Trump this year; he was previously targeted during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. Following that incident, scrutiny of Secret Service protocols intensified, and this latest attempt has further raised concerns about the security measures in place for the former president. In a fundraising email sent post-incident, Trump reassured his supporters, stating he was “safe and well” and declaring, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

Reports indicate that Routh is a strong supporter of Ukraine, having traveled there following Russia’s invasion in 2022. Ukrainian officials have denied any connection to him, asserting that Moscow may be exploiting this link for propaganda purposes.