The former president's golf partner claims they were five yards away from him when the gunfire occurred.

The US Secret Service was commended by Steve Witkoff for risking their lives in service.

The former president's golf partner claims they were five yards away from him when the gunfire occurred.
The former president's golf partner claims they were five yards away from him when the gunfire occurred.

On "Hannity," the former President Trump's golf partner reacted to a second apparent assassination attempt on the 2024 GOP nominee's life.

On Sunday afternoon, while playing golf with Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course, Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate investor, was informed that the former president had to be evacuated due to gunfire.

FBI outside Trump golf club in Florida
Members of the FBI are seen at the crime scene outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024, following a shooting incident at former President Donald Trump's golf course. Trump's campaign reported Sunday that there had been "gunshots in his vicinity" but added that the Republican presidential candidate was safe.  (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Yesterday was a remarkable day. I am grateful that I was present yesterday. The reason for my gratitude, Sean, is that I witnessed my friend living his ordinary life. His ordinary life, which has been marked by two assassination attempts in the past 60 days, being vilified since he left the presidency, being falsely accused and harassed.

"Yesterday, on a beautiful day, a man was trying to get some rest and relaxation like everyone else. Suddenly, an assault rifle-wielding man appeared, intent on killing him. It was a terrible incident. However, what made it even more inspiring was the man's stoic and courageous demeanor. He put the safety of his friends before his own life, making him an inspiration to all who were around him. Unfortunately, not everyone got to witness this act of bravery, but if they had, they would have seen a true leader in action."

Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt, was charged on Monday with possessing a firearm by a convicted felon and having a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The former president's golf partner claims they were five yards away from him when the gunfire occurred.

An agent from the Secret Service saw a rifle protruding from the tree line near Trump's golf course and fired, prompting Routh to flee.

About 45 minutes after fleeing the scene, he was stopped and detained by local law enforcement, according to a criminal complaint released by the Department of Justice. Cell phone records indicate that Routh was near the golf course tree line for approximately 12 hours, from around 2 a.m. to 1:31 p.m.

According to the complaint, a digital camera, a backpack, a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope, and a bag containing food were recovered near the tree line area from which Routh fled.

Pictures of evidence found at the fence of former President Donald Trump's golf course are shown at a press conference
Pictures of evidence found at the fence of former President Donald Trump's golf course are shown at a press conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024 following a second attempt on the president's life. (Candan Khanna / AFP via Getty Images)

As a gun owner, Witkoff knew immediately he had heard gunfire. "The Secret Service were exceptional. They had the president secured, in my estimation, because I was five yards away from him, in my estimation, maybe after the first shot, certainly after the second shot. So, by the time the fourth shot rang out, the president was on his way with that detail," he explained.

"Watching them perform was like seeing a well-rehearsed act. It was impressive to witness their skill and bravery. Their actions were heroic because they risked their lives to achieve their goal."

On Monday, Ronald Rowe, Jr., the US Secret Service acting director, stated that Routh did not have a clear view of Trump and did not fire any shots.

Speakers at the press conference with an update on the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump
Acting Director Ronald Rowe Jr. of the U.S. Secret Service addresses the media at a press conference with updates on the investigation into the apparent assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, West Palm Beach, FL, Monday, September 16, 2024. (Mega for Planet Chronicle Digital)

Yesterday, the Secret Service's protective methodologies were effective in identifying the threat and leading to a safe evacuation of the former president. The protective apparatus allowed for the early identification of the threat, and the increased assets directed by President Biden were in place.

The Secret Service was commended by him for their ability to adapt to the "unprecedented and hyper-dynamic threat environment."

Since the assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pa., in July, the Secret Service has increased its assets to further enhance security for the 2024 GOP nominee.

trump rally assassination attempt
Former President Trump was injured during an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Witkoff expressed gratitude that his "dear friend" remained unharmed following the incident, as told to Hannity.

"I have a little love thing for my friend, and I'm grateful for the agent who interdicted and the entire team that saved him. I thank God that he was not injured or killed, and that none of the other people were hurt. There were plenty of civilians, staffers from his office, and two other friends who care about him just as much as I do. If any of them had been injured or killed, it could have been a really serious situation. But there wasn't any damage, and I'm thankful for that."

by Ashley Carnahan

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