Trump thanks Secret Service - but is he protected enough?

Donald Trump: A look at the events surrounding the alleged assassination attempt... in just 60 seconds.

Donald Trump has commended the US Secret Service for preventing what the FBI describes as an attempted assassination.

On Sunday afternoon in Florida, federal agents discovered the person believed to be the shooter, identified by American news outlets as Ryan Routh, hiding in some bushes at Trump's golf course. At that time, the Republican presidential candidate was playing golf just a few hundred meters away.

Officers shot at the suspect, who ran away but was apprehended later.

In an interview with the BBC, a former agent mentioned that the Secret Service had a successful day. However, they raised concerns about whether Trump was getting adequate security following an assassination attempt that occurred around two months earlier.

As a result of that event, the director of the Secret Service stepped down from their position.

"How Agents Prevented Sunday’s Attack"

Secret Service agents, conducting their routine checks at the Trump International Golf Club before the former president's arrival, noticed the gunman on the golf course.

A rifle's barrel was seen protruding from the bushes that border the area. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Trump was approximately 300 to 500 yards (275 to 460 meters) away from the shooter at that moment.

It's still uncertain if the shooter actually discharged a weapon.

An agent quickly interacted with the individual carrying the rifle, who then ran away, the sheriff noted. "The Secret Service acted exactly as they should have."

Agents opened fire multiple times when they saw the suspect. He ran away, leaving behind his gun and some belongings. Later, a witness gave local authorities a picture of the suspect's car, which helped them locate him.

He was caught by the police on Interstate 95, approximately 61 kilometers (38 miles) away from Trump's golf club, and U.S. news outlets have named him Ryan Routh.

Trump reassured his supporters that he was in good health and safe, expressing gratitude to the Secret Service and various law enforcement agencies for their outstanding work.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Robert McDonald, a former high-ranking official in the Secret Service, acknowledged that the agency had a "good day," even though the person attempting to attack Trump managed to get fairly close to the ex-president.

Does Trump Need Increased Protection?

Sheriff Bradshaw highlighted that Trump doesn't enjoy the same security as a current president. "If he did, we would have cordoned off the entire golf course," he remarked.

However, two ex-Secret Service agents mentioned that Trump requires greater security than other past presidents because he is campaigning for the presidency once more.

Barry Donadio expressed to BBC News, "It's time for us to reassess the situation. Do all of these candidates deserve the same level of security typically provided to the president? I believe that's likely the conclusion we will have to reach."

McDonald concurred, noting that the possibility of "copycat" incidents raised important concerns. He asked, "Will someone get a little bolder, will another person obtain a powerful rifle, and will they be capable of causing significant harm?"

Politicians from both sides of the aisle expressed similar sentiments. For instance, New York Congressman Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, stated that Trump needs "maximum security."

However, a Trump associate expressed concerns about the risks associated with Trump playing golf. Chris Ruddy, the head of the conservative news organization Newsmax, commented that the golf course is a "vast and expansive area" that would require a "small army" to secure properly.

Check out: Ros Atkins discussing the supposed assassination attempt on Trump.

What Happened The First Time Around?

Concerns about whether Trump required a more extensive security team emerged following another assassination attempt against him during a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this year.

On July 13, Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, also took the life of one person in the audience and seriously injured two more.

Frustration regarding how the Secret Service managed the shooting incident ultimately resulted in the resignation of Kim Cheatle, the Director of the US Secret Service. In the meantime, Ronald Rowe Jr. has stepped in as the acting director.

Sarah Smith, the North America editor for the BBC, noted that the agency will likely encounter fresh scrutiny. They might claim that they don't have enough resources, even though they supposedly have more now than they did two months ago.

Trump's supporters and his presidential opponent, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, have both criticized the incident.

Harris stated that the government will guarantee the Secret Service has all the resources, tools, and safety protocols it needs to effectively fulfill its important duties.

Members of a congressional group investigating the July assassination attempt have asked for a meeting with the Secret Service this afternoon to get an update.

At the same time, the FBI and the state of Florida have disclosed that they are launching investigations.

"People have the right to know the facts regarding the person who tried to carry out the assassination and how he managed to get so close to the former president, who is now the GOP nominee," stated Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The vicinity near the golf course is currently restricted, with a strong security presence surrounding Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.