WASHINGTON: The FBI said on Sunday that a shooting near Donald Trump’s golf course “appears to be an attempted assassination” of the Republican US presidential candidate.
“The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump,” it said in a statement.
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” said a statement from his campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.
Trump had been golfing at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, not far from his Mar-a-Lago residence, during a day away from the presidential campaign, multiple media reports said.
Some reports said the gunfire was between two people in a dispute near the course.
Still, it came amid heightened concern for the candidate’s safety — just two months after the former president was wounded in the ear when a gunman opened fire during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania.
The US Secret Service, tasked with protecting presidents, former presidents and other dignitaries, faced criticism after the Pennsylvania incident.
The head of the agency later resigned, and at least five of its agents were placed on administrative leave.