One person is in custody after shots were fired near former President Donald Trump and an AR-style rifle was recovered near his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, four senior law enforcement officials briefed on the incident told NBC News.
A source familiar with the matter told NBC News that Trump was immediately rushed to safety.
In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said, “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time.”
Trump left the golf course in his motorcade a couple of hours after the incident and headed back to his Mar-a-Lago resort, the source familiar with the matter said.
“The Secret Service, in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating a protective incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred shortly before 2 p.m. The former president is safe,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
A senior law enforcement official briefed on the incident told NBC News that Trump was on the golf course when what sounded like gunfire was heard in the near distance.
He was between the fifth and sixth hole on the golf course when the incident occurred, the source familiar with the matter said.
As a precaution, the Secret Service moved him to safety, but there was no evidence that Trump was targeted. Local police are looking into the cause of the sound of what may have been gunfire.
In a post on X, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he had spoken with Trump following the incident. He did not share any information about Trump’s condition but added, “He is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. He’s in good spirits and he is more resolved than ever to save our country.”
Sunday’s incident will not affect Trump’s campaign schedule this week, the source said.
The White House said in a statement, “The President and Vice President have been briefed about the security incident at the Trump International Golf Course, where former President Trump was golfing. They are relieved to know that he is safe. They will be kept regularly updated by their team.”
In a separate post on X, Vice President Kamala Harris said she had been briefed on the incident and added, “I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Ghael Fobes and Ken Dilanian contributed.
