Secret Service locates hunting stand with direct sight line to Trump’s Air Force One exit

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: The Secret Service discovered a suspicious hunting stand positioned with a clear view of the Air Force One landing area at Palm Beach International Airport. This is where President Donald Trump typically disembarks.

Officials confirmed to Fox News Digital on Sunday, October 19, that agents found the elevated stand on Thursday during routine security preparations ahead of Trump’s arrival in West Palm Beach. 

The FBI has since taken over the investigation, with Director Kash Patel confirming that no individuals were located near the scene and that the structure has not yet been linked to any suspect.

FBI deploys evidence teams and digital tracking units

Kash Patel said regarding the discovery, “Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone."

“The FBI has taken the investigatory lead, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the scene, and deploying our cell phone analytics capabilities,” he added.

Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said the agency was “working closely” with the FBI and local law enforcement in Palm Beach County.

“During advance security preparations prior to the Palm Beach arrival, which included the use of technology and comprehensive physical sweeps, our teams identified items of interest near Palm Beach International Airport,” Guglielmi said.

He emphasized that there was “no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved” at the time of the discovery.

“While we are not able to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures,” he added.

Trump traveled to Florida on Friday and is spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he often plays golf.

Discovery follows earlier assassination attempts on Trump

The latest security incident comes just weeks after 59-year-old Ryan Routh was convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump from a sniper’s nest near a Palm Beach golf course.

Routh was reportedly found guilty on five federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses.

That attempt followed an earlier 2024 attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally.