Donald Trump says he'll 'never surrender' in defiant first response after second assassination attempt

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Former President Donald Trump issued his first statement after a second assassination attempt against him in Florida.

The GOP presidential nominee was playing golf at the Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, when gunshots were heard in the vicinity on Sunday, September 15. Secret service agents fired shots at the would-be assassin, who had an AK-47-style assault rifle, after he was spotted near the fence of the golf course.

The suspect was later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii,

Trump confirmed he was safe in a short campaign email to supporters.

"There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!" he wrote.

Trump declares he 'will never surrender' after second assassination attempt

The MAGA spearhead announced his intent to move forward after facing a threat to his life for the second time in over two months.

"Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!" Trump wrote in the fundraising email. "I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace. Make America Great Again."

Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh apprehended

The suspect was identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii, as per CNN. He was around 300 to 500 yards away from Trump and immediately fled the site in a car. However, he was later captured on I-95 in Martin County.

Trump narrowly escaped a likely fatal bullet on July 13 while he was addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired several shots, injuring the ex-president's ear. The gunman was immediately shot dead by a Secret Service sniper at the crime scene.

"We are able to catch a witness that came to us and said, ‘Hey, I saw the guy running out of the bushes, he jumped into a black Nissan and I took a picture of the vehicle and the tag,’ which was great," said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw after the incident on September 15.

Writing on Truth Social after the second attack, Trump thanked everyone for the good wishes, saying, "It was certainly an interesting day!"

He also thanked The US Secret Service, Sheriff Bradshaw and law enforcement for keeping him safe at the golf club. "THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!" Trump added.

The FBI launched an investigation into the incident, which, according to them, "appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump."

Internet supports Trump over his first statement after another assassination attempt

Netizens voiced their support for Trump, who escaped a second assassination attempt at his West Palm Beach golf course around two months after a narrow escape from the Pennslyvania shooting. Some social media users also signaled the incident called for increased protection for the real estate mogul.

"I love him more now than when I woke up this morning. This cat has more than nine lives," a user wrote.

"What a strong man he is," another added.

"What a class act!" said a third user.

"They need to give him competent security," read a fourth response.

"He deserves a better protection as a former president of the United states of America," an individual chimed in.

"Immensely glad Trump is safe, again. May God, and the secret service protect him," another user wrote.

"He's bagged this! No more debates necessary!!!" someone else remarked.

"Trump got 9 lives," read one remark.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.