Donald Trump safe after gunshots reported near his Florida golf club: Reports

Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US presidential election, was safe after gunshots were heard near his golf club in Florida on Sunday, according to news agency Associated Press, citing his campaign and the US Secret Service. A suspect, believed to be involved in the shooting, has been detained.

Trump, immediately after the incident, said in an email to his supporters that he is safe and asserted that he will “never surrender”.

The Secret Service officials said that the incident occurred shortly before 2 pm (Sunday, 11.30 pm Indian Time). The Secret Service agents opened fire after spotting a person with a firearm near the golf club, according to officials.

“The former president is safe,” according to the Secret Service, who added that an investigation has been launched.

The Trump Campaign issued a statement saying, “President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity near the Trump International Golf Club. No further details at this time”.

According to The Washington Post, Trump was golfing at the course when the incident took place. The report, citing two sources familiar with the situation, stated that Secret Service agents then escorted him to a holding room at the club.

The White House said in a statement that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed about the incident and were relieved to know that he was safe.

The accused fled in an SUV and was later apprehended in nearby Martin County by local law enforcement, the officials said. An AK-style firearm was recovered at the scene near Trump’s golf course, according to officials who spoke to the media.

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

Trump frequently starts his mornings with a round of golf, followed by lunch at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, one of the three golf clubs he owns in the state.

WILL NEVER SURRENDER: TRUMP

Following the gunshot incident, Donald Trump wrote an email to his supporters, saying ‘I will NEVER SURRENDER!’.

“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!” the former president said.

This incident occurred roughly two months after Trump was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear, causing minor injuries. His security measures were significantly beefed up following this shooting on July 13.