On Sunday Sept. 16 2024, another assasination attempt on former president Donald Trump was reported. This time, the attempt took place while the presidential candidate was golfing at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach Florida. This comes as the second such attempt on the candidate’s life since he began his campaign for presidency earlier this year. At 1:30 p.m. EST shots were reported approximately 300-500 feet away from where the former president was golfing. The United States Secret Service responded quickly to the incident, managing to get the president off the scene, and successfully apprehending the suspect on I-95 headed toward Martin County. Authorities have since identified the shooter as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. Routh has been active on various social media platforms, including X, before having his account suspended for politically charged content. Routh spent most of his time in North Carolina where he was convicted of numerous crimes including the possession of a weapon of mass destruction in 2002. Despite the attempt on his life, the president is alive and well according to local police enforcement. Donald Trump has since commented on the incident. “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”, the former president in a statement, said. President Biden has also commented on the incident. “As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety” Biden, said. The attempt comes at a tumultuous political moment as both candidates prepare for the upcoming November election. While it is unclear whether or not this act of political violence will be the last, it sets a precarious presedent as the former president continues his campaign.
By Lenora Kirkland
My name is Lenora Kirkland and I am the News and Features editor for the Waltonian. I’m a junior Philosophy major, and I’ve been involved with the paper since my freshman year. I’ve stayed because I love the chance to write, and the unique opportunity to hear Eastern students share their stories and interests with the wider community.
Grace Nealy 
Jason Karch