The Trump campaign this morning said former US President Donald Trump is “safe following gunshots in his vicinity.”
“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity. No further details at this time,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement that did not provide additional details.
The former president was playing golf at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
The course was immediately locked down, according to a source familiar.
The Secret Service said on X that it is working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a protective incident involving Trump.
The Secret Service said the incident occurred shortly before 2pm local time (4am AEST).
No injuries were reported, according to a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had both been briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House added they are “relieved” to know Trump is safe.
A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation said officials were trying to determine whether the shots were fired near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course or on the grounds.
The official was not authorised to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Trump often spends the morning playing golf, before having lunch at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, one of three he owns in the state.
Trump has had a stepped-up security footprint since an assassination attempt in July. When he has been at Trump Tower in New York, a lineup of dump trucks have parked in a wall outside the building.
And at outdoor rallies, he now speaks from behind an enclosure of bulletproof glass.
Cathy Freeman’s fiery torch moment captivates the world
A message sent to campaign officials seeking information on the security status and location of Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was not immediately returned.
Max Egusquiza, of Palm Beach, described the emergency response outside Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course.
“From what I saw five black unmarked SUVs blocked in a grey Mercedes in front of the golf course. There were about 20 or more cop cars flying from nearby streets,” he said.
