FBI shares chilling image of items Trump’s suspected shooter had lying in bushes before attempted shooting
A chilling image of the apparatus that a gunman, who allegedly targeted Donald Trump, left lying in the bushes on a Florida golf course has been released by the FBI.
Just two months after Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened fire on the former President at an open-air campaign rally in July, authorities in the US are now investigating a second 'apparent assassination attempt' on the politician.
On Sunday (15 September), the Republican candidate was playing at his Trump International Golf Course in Palm Beach, Florida, when Secret Service agents accompanying him spotted something sinister lurking.
Members of Trump's security were patrolling the course ahead of him to ensure the holes were safe to play when an agent spotted the barrel of a rifle poking out of some bushes near the perimeter.
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Agents opened fire at the alleged gunman, reportedly unloading at least four rounds, before the suspect fled in a car.
Palm Beach County sheriff Ric Bradshaw told a news conference that the shooter was about 300 to 500 yards away from Trump when the Secret Service intercepted the threat.
Three senior law enforcement officials have identified 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh as the suspect who has been taken into custody in connection with the incident at the golf course, NBC News reported.
In the midst of all the chaos, the suspect is said to have left an array of items at the scene.
The FBI, who said it 'is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination' on Trump, have since shared an image of some of the objects left behind at the shooter's hiding spot in the shrubbery.
Law enforcement explained that they had recovered an AK-47 type assault rifle weapon and a scope, two backpacks and a GoPro near the 5th and 6th hole.
Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe said it was clear the shooter had a 'structured and organised' strategy.
"This whole set-up indicates a very high level of pre-planning," he told CNN.
At a press conference on Sunday, Special Agent Rafael Barros explained that Trump's security had been beefed up following the July assassination attempt because 'the threat was high'.
"We have increased the amount of assets that we've supported," he said. "We are living in dangerous times."
After the news broke, Trump reassured his supporters he was 'safe and well' in a statement.
The 78-year-old said: "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!
"Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again."
Martin County sheriff William Snyder said the suspect was 'not armed' when he was apprehended by police and 'did not question why he was being pulled over', Sky News reported.
Topics: US News, Crime, Donald Trump, Politics
Olivia Burke