WASHINGTON, D.C. (NewsDakota.com) – A man armed with a scoped rifle was arrested after allegedly pointing the weapon toward former President Donald Trump’s golf club, according to law enforcement officials. The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was taken into custody after fleeing the scene in what the FBI is calling an apparent assassination attempt on the Republican presidential nominee.

U.S. Secret Service agents fired at Routh, who was armed with an AK-style rifle and positioned roughly 400 to 500 yards away from Trump, hiding in shrubbery near the course. Trump was playing a nearby hole at the time. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the suspect also left two backpacks hanging on a fence and was recording with a GoPro camera. Routh fled in an SUV but was apprehended in a neighboring county.

The incident adds to an already tumultuous campaign season for Trump, who survived a previous assassination attempt just two months ago when a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Pennsylvania. Days after that attack, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

In an email to supporters, Trump reassured his followers: “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! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

Secret Service agents, who typically secure the area around Trump by patrolling several holes ahead and behind him, noticed Routh before the situation escalated. The golf course was partially shut down for Trump as agents moved quickly to respond to the threat.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the incident.