Gunshots were heard Sunday afternoon at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Donald Trump was staying.
• Also read: Shots fired near Trump: FBI investigating ‘alleged assassination attempt’
• Also read: Alleged assassination attempt on Trump: Event could be beneficial for his campaign, expert says
Hours after the event, the FBI confirmed it was investigating a “suspected assassination attempt” targeting the former president and Republican candidate.
Authorities provided an update on the events around 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what we know about the shooting that led to Donald Trump being evacuated from his golf course.
Witness leads to suspect’s arrest
At 1:30 p.m., Palm Beach police received a call from the Secret Service about shots fired. Units immediately cordoned off the area, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at the news briefing.
A witness met by the police claimed to have seen an individual come out of a bush and get into a black Nissan vehicle. The witness took photos of the vehicle in question and its registration plate.
With this information in hand, the Palm Beach Police Department was quickly able to locate the vehicle, which was traveling on I-95 toward Martin County.
Photo from FACEBOOK, MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Martin County Police Department was notified and was able to stop the vehicle and arrest a suspect.
The witness was able to identify the suspect as the individual he had seen come out of a bush and get into the vehicle.
A weapon discovered
In the bushes from which the suspect emerged, police discovered an AK-47-type weapon with a telescope, according to the Palm Beach County sheriff.
Photo AFP
Two backpacks were hanging from a fence and contained ceramic tiles and a GoPro camera.
These discovered elements are currently being analyzed by the police as part of the investigation.
The barrel of a gun seen
A Secret Service agent, who is responsible for the former president and Republican candidate’s security, was inspecting the next green that Donald Trump was due to head to.
The officer was able to spot the barrel of a gun sticking out of the fence and immediately opened fire in the direction of the threat.
Screenshot courtesy of CNN
That’s when the suspect fled, Bradshaw said at the news briefing.
Donald Trump was on the golf course, between the 5th and 6th holes of the course, when the shots rang out, according to CNN.
The suspect was located a few holes away, about 300 to 500 yards from where the former president was golfing.
The latter still does not know the suspect’s motives.
Donald Trump safe and sound
The Republican candidate for the November 5 presidential election is “safe and sound,” a Secret Service spokesperson confirmed at a press briefing.
He is reportedly returning to his Mar-a-Lago residence, according to CNN, after being evacuated from the golf course.
Photo AFP / GETTY IMAGES
Shortly after the events, the former President of the United States indicated in an email that he was safe and sound.
“There were gunshots near where I was, but before the rumors get out of hand, I wanted you to be the first to hear: I AM SAFE! Nothing is going to slow me down. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!” he wrote in the post.
Public help requested
The FBI, which is treating the incident as a “suspected assassination attempt,” is asking the public to provide any information that could help in the investigation surrounding the incident.
The suspect encountered by police did not make a statement regarding his involvement in the events, according to the Palm Beach County sheriff.
Photos and information about the suspect’s identity are expected to be released later by the police.
