J.D. Vance Reveals Trump’s Response Following Second Assassination Attempt

Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance shared what former President Donald Trump told him just moments after surviving a second assassination attempt in two months at his West Palm Beach golf course on Sunday (September 15).

“He says, ‘JD, you’re not going to believe this, but they tried to do it again,’” Vance recalled while speaking at a Faith and Freedom Coalition event in Georgia, according to the New York Post.

Trump’s Call to Vance

Vance, who was at home in Cincinnati with his family, said he received the shocking call from Trump shortly after the incident.

“I said, ‘No, you’re joshing me. But, what’s going on here, sir?’” Vance recounted. Trump responded by explaining, “I was playing golf and the Secret Service found somebody who was trying to shoot me.”

Vance expressed his relief, responding, “Oh my Lord, sir, I’m so glad you’re okay.” Trump, however, said he was more frustrated about not being able to finish his birdie putt, though otherwise unharmed.

The Incident and Suspect

The shooter, identified as Ryan Routh, was arrested near the Trump International Golf Club after being caught with an AK-47 rifle. According to reports from the New York Post, Routh, 58, had a history of posting political content online and had donated to Democratic candidates. A Biden-Harris bumper sticker was found on his pickup truck parked at his home in Kaaawa, Hawaii.

Trump addressed the incident later that evening through a post on his Truth Social account, thanking law enforcement for their swift response and expressing pride in being American. He emphasized that the U.S. Secret Service and local officials had done an “absolutely outstanding” job of keeping him safe.

Trump’s Statement on the Shooting

“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes – It was certainly an interesting day!” Trump wrote, adding that despite gunshots in his vicinity, he was “SAFE AND WELL.”

A Secret Service agent reportedly opened fire on Routh after spotting him with the assault rifle, causing him to flee. The West Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office later detained Routh during a traffic stop on I-95.

Previous Assassination Attempt

This incident follows another assassination attempt on Trump just two months earlier during a rally in Pennsylvania. During that event, Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet, and he was heard shouting “fight” to his supporters while being evacuated by Secret Service. Tragically, one spectator was killed, and two others were wounded but later stabilized.

The shooter in the Pennsylvania incident, Thomas Crooks, was swiftly neutralized by Secret Service agents, although authorities had identified him as suspicious more than 90 minutes before the shooting began.

Trump had officially accepted the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 18.