(Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
A man is in custody after what appeared to be an attempted assassination on former US president Donald Trump.
Authorities say the alleged person pointed an AK-47 rifle at Trump from about 400m away while he was golfing at the Trump International Gold Club on Sunday afternoon, local time.
A Secret Service agent opened fire on the alleged gunman after seeing a rifle barrel poking through a fence while the former president was on the course.
The man fled the scene by car but was apprehended on the highway in neighbouring Martin County.
US media is reporting the suspect’s identity, having spoken to authorities on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the ongoing situation.
LiSTNR has chosen not to report the name until authorities can confirm it on the record.
The FBI and other law enforcement officials said the suspect had a scope on his rifle, a GoPro camera with which he intended to record footage and a backpack with ceramic tile in it.
After the incident, Trump sent an email to his supporters saying, “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!”
His campaign website has since been updated to echo a similar message.
“I am Donald J. Trump. FEAR NOT! I am safe and well, and no one was hurt,” the website read.
“But, there are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us.”
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement following the incident.
“I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America,” Ms Harris said.
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