Ron DeSantis says Florida will probe second Trump assassination attempt, Internet calls it 'purity test'

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis isn’t waiting around for federal authorities to probe the second attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.

DeSantis announced on Sunday, September 15, that Florida would be conducting its own investigation into the incident that took place at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. This comes just weeks after an even closer attempt on Trump’s life, raising serious concerns about the safety of the former president and current Republican nominee.

"The State of Florida will be conducting its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination at Trump International Golf Club," DeSantis declared on X (formerly Twitter). "The people deserve the truth about the would-be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee."

Clearly, the governor isn’t satisfied with waiting for answers from the FBI or Secret Service—he’s taking matters into his own hands.

A close call on the golf course

The assassination attempt unfolded in a rather surreal setting—Trump was enjoying a round of golf when Secret Service agents stationed a few holes ahead noticed something alarming. Peeking out from a shrubbery about 400 yards away was the muzzle of an AK-style rifle.

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, an agent acted quickly and fired at the gunman — who dropped his weapon and fled in an SUV.

While the would-be assassin didn’t get far, the incident raised a lot of questions. How did someone manage to get that close to Trump, especially with the security detail in place?

After fleeing the scene, the suspect was apprehended by law enforcement in a neighboring county and identified as Ryan Routh. Sheriff William Snyder of Martin County said Routh displayed a “calm, flat demeanor” and showed no emotion when he was pulled over.

"He never asked, ‘What is this about?’ Obviously, law enforcement with long rifles, blue lights, a lot going on. He never questioned it," Snyder explained.

Less than two months ago on July 13, Trump narrowly escaped another attempt on his life during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A bullet grazed his ear, but he walked away mostly unharmed.

In the aftermath of that incident, President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic Party’s nominee, WFLA reported.

The escalating threats against Trump have sparked new concerns about the efficiency of Secret Service operations. Many are questioning how these attempts could even happen, considering the level of protection a former president usually receives.

Trump himself has addressed his supporters, ensuring them that he’s still standing strong. "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 reassured in an email, adding, "Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!"

Harris condemned the violence in a public statement. "Violence has no place in America," she said. Biden echoed her words and added that he had directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has "every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former president’s continued safety."

Social media supports Ron DeSantis' independent probe

Many people on social media lauded Governor Ron DeSantis after he said Florida will be conducting its own investigation into Sunday's incident.

"This is gonna be a purity test for DeSantis, if he wants to be the competent, results guy, this is your chance bud! I wanna see RESULTS!" one social media posted on X.

"DONT LET THE CORRUPT FBI LEAD! THEY WILL COVER IT UP!" another alleged.

"Hopefully info turns up faster than it can be buried," someone else added.

"At least he will try to get some accountability going. He'd be screwed in NY. Never stop praying," read a comment.

"Thank God for our governor! He's the man!" another gushed.

Despite no longer being president, Trump’s security is a major concern especially as he continues to campaign. Secret Service agents typically secure the area ahead and behind Trump when he’s on the golf course, and armored vehicles are usually on standby. However, since Trump is no longer in office, security measures aren’t as extensive as they once were.

The Palm Beach County sheriff pointed out that the entire golf course would have been lined with law enforcement if Trump were still president.

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.