A second assassination attempt on President Donald Trump's life has reignited concerns for his safety and potential issues within his Secret Service detail.
Trump was playing golf Sunday in West Palm Beach, Fla. when Secret Service agents opened fire on a suspect pointing a rifle through a nearby fence. After giving chase, authorities detained Ryan Wesley Routh in a neighboring county. CNN reported that Routh is a 58-year-old Hawaii resident who posted anti-Trump messages on social media.
Later Sunday evening, several Alabama officials joined federal lawmakers in supporting Trump as he continues campaigning.
"I am grateful President Trump is safe following a second assassination attempt," Gov. Kay Ivey posted on X. "Yet again, an attempt has been made on his life, and like Americans across the country, I am very concerned. I will continue praying for his safety and for our country."
"We must all give thanks that God spared President Trump from harm today," Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said. "After the Butler shooting, Trump's protection should have been so tight that a mosquito couldn't get close without clearance. President Trump, his family, and our nation must not go through this again."
State Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) and House Speaker Nathanial Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said they were thankful Trump wasn't harmed and offered their prayers for continued safety.
The Alabama Republican Party also asked for prayers for Trump and his family.
Party chairman John Wahl offered the following statement:
"Today marks an incredibly sad and heartbreaking day in the history of our nation. It is tragic beyond words that anyone could believe that taking another person’s life could further a political agenda. We must all remember that the individuals we see on television are not just political figures but human beings, with families, loved ones, and personal hopes and dreams. They live their lives like any of us and deserve the same respect, kindness, and protection afforded to every American.
"For years, Democrats and their allies in the national media have labeled conservatives as radicals and extremists. Yet today, we can clearly see where the real extremist threat lies—it lies with anyone, on either side of the political aisle, willing to degrade and dehumanize others because of their political beliefs. The open hatred and villainization of Donald Trump by Democrat leaders and leftists in the mainstream media has created an environment where political violence is becoming disturbingly normalized.
"A free society must allow for a fair debate over the issues without the demonization of those with opposing political viewpoints. Far too often, members of the Democrat Party and liberal activists within the press fan the flames of division and hatred in our country. We should all work to foster an environment that encourages constructive dialogue and allows the sharing of ideas, without pushing narratives that inflame tensions and encourage violence.
"Political violence has no place in America, and the Alabama Republican Party stands united with President Trump and his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones. May God continue to protect him and our great nation."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
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