West Palm Beach, FL – Federal agents recently conducted an investigation following an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach. The Post has learned that the agents questioned staffers at Trump International Golf Course about whether they shared sensitive information regarding Trump’s presence at the club with outsiders.
The questioning came after Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was discovered by Secret Service agents while hiding outside the property for 12 hours in a makeshift sniper’s nest. Routh has since been charged with federal gun crimes for his possession of an AK-style assault rifle during the incident.
An employee at the golf club told The Post that the FBI and Secret Service asked several questions about who they informed when Trump would be present at the course. They also inquired if any staff members recognized Routh in photographs shown to them, but no one claimed to have known the individual.
The workers were reassured by the agents that they were not being treated as suspects and that their well-being was taken into consideration during the questioning process. The FBI and Secret Service worked together to interview every staff member at the club in relation to the assassination attempt.
Employees who spoke with The Post emphasized that they strictly adhered to their established protocols, which include a complete ban on cell phone usage and photography while on duty. This is intended to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of Trump’s whereabouts and ensure his safety. Many staff members even leave their phones in their cars to avoid any potential issues with management.
The golf club’s directors have already taken steps to enhance security measures following the incident, such as planting additional bushes and trees around the property perimeter to close any gaps that could be used by would-be assassins like Routh.
Following the scare on Sunday, the golf course was filled with at least 100 to 150 agents from the FBI and Secret Service, one employee said. The club was already busy due to its typical popularity on Sundays, which is when additional high-profile members are expected to be present.
There were roughly 60 other staff members and around 100 visitors on the property during the attempted assassination. While there were no metal detectors at the entrance, security personnel carried wands for scanning individuals as they entered the premises. In some cases, friends of Trump would be allowed to bypass these checks with his permission.
Looking ahead, the staff anticipates an increased emphasis on security at the club, including mandatory training for all employees. One employee stated that while golf may be their primary focus, they must also remain vigilant for any potential threats to ensure the safety of not only Trump but other high-profile individuals who frequent the establishment.
Overall, the assassination attempt has served as a wake-up call for the staff at Trump International Golf Course, prompting them to take security measures more seriously and report any suspicious activities immediately. As one employee put it, “It’s not just the president who golfs here. A lot of important people are here, businesspeople and big donors. So we all have to keep our eyes open for any threats.
