DeSoto County News
Officials respond to second Trump assassination attempt
By Bob Bakken
A man is in custody in Florida after an apparent second assassination attempt on the life of former President Donald Trump Sunday afternoon. The FBI is investigating the incident at Trump’s Florida golf club Sunday afternoon. The Republican candidate for President was not hurt.
Secret Service officials informed local authorities about gunshots being fired about 12:30 p.m. Central time Sunday. A 58-year-old man identified as Ryan Wesley Routh was later taken into custody. Routh was reportedly seen fleeing the scene shortly after the shooting, his license plate was photographed by a man who saw Routh leaving the scene, and Routh and his vehicle were later stopped and he was taken into custody. A long gun was also found in the vicinity of the shooting.
Reports are that Routh was a strong supporter of Ukraine and had posted critical posts of the former President on social media. Routh was identified as a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris.
A number of Mississippi government officials have responded to Sunday’s shooting with messages of support for Trump.
Gov. Tate Reeves “Another reminder that there is evil in this world. I’m praying for President Trump and glad that he’s safe.”
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker “Political violence has no place in our country. We are blessed with the freedom to settle our differences at the ballot box. Thankfully President Trump is safe from this latest assassination attempt.”
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith “I commend law enforcement actions to thwart a would-be assassin targeting President Trump. Political violence has no place in our country and we must condemn these dangerous acts.”
Hyde-Smith also said that “the safety and well-being of all Americans, including our leaders, must always remain a priority. I am relieved and grateful that President Trump is safe.”
State Auditor Shad White “God bless and keep President Trump”
Vice President Harris also commented on the shooting, condemning political violence.