President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One using the small stairs at Palm Beach International Airport on Sunday, a decision made due to increased security measures following the discovery of a suspected hunting stand with a clear line of sight to the presidential plane. The Secret Service identified the potential sniper position, prompting the FBI to take the lead in the investigation.
According to a White House official, the heightened security measures were implemented after the Secret Service discovered the hunting stand near the airport. The FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that his agency is leading the investigation, stating that no individuals have been arrested yet. He emphasized that the agency is deploying its resources to collect evidence and analyze cell phone data from the scene.
USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi also confirmed the collaboration between the Secret Service and the FBI, as well as local law enforcement in Palm Beach County. He mentioned that the hunting stand was discovered during the advance security preparations prior to Trump’s arrival in Palm Beach. Guglielmi highlighted that the incident underscores the importance of the layered security measures in place to protect the President.
This incident follows the recent case of Ryan Routh, who was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump on a Palm Beach golf course from a sniper’s nest. The recent discovery of the hunting stand highlights the ongoing security concerns and the vigilance required to ensure the safety of former presidents.