Suspect named after Trump targeted in apparent assassination attempt

A man is in custody after fleeing the scene of what the FBI said was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Secret Service agents fired at a man pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope as former president was on the course at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Authorities are working to determine a motive.

In his first statement following reports of the incident, Trump said he was “safe and well” and would “never surrender”.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the gunman also had two backpacks hanging on a fence and a GoPro camera, and that he was about 400 yards to 500 yards away from Trump and hiding in shrubbery while the former president played golf on a nearby hole.

The person dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV, and was later taken into custody in a neighboring county.

The incident occurred roughly two months after Trump was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, and a bullet grazed his ear.

In an email to supporters, Trump said: “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!” he said.

The golf course was partially shut down for Trump as he played, and agents were a few holes ahead of him when they noticed the person with the firearm, Bradshaw said.