Executive Summary
- A “suspicious” hunting stand was discovered near the Air Force One landing zone in West Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival.
- The FBI is leading the investigation into the unoccupied stand, which the Secret Service found, with no current indication it was constructed to target Trump.
- The incident highlights heightened security vigilance around President Trump, following two reported assassination attempts during his second campaign for president.
The Story So Far
- The discovery of a suspicious hunting stand near President Trump’s landing zone comes amidst heightened security concerns, following two reported assassination attempts against him during his second presidential campaign. One of these incidents, in July 2024, was notably characterized by the Secret Service as an “operational failure” due to breakdowns in communication and other security issues, underscoring the current vigilance surrounding presidential movements.
Why This Matters
- The discovery of a “suspicious” hunting stand near President Trump’s landing zone, despite no individuals being present or immediate intent to harm, highlights the extreme security vigilance required for presidential movements. This incident, following recent reported assassination attempts against President Trump, reinforces the critical importance of advanced security protocols and the FBI’s ongoing investigation into potential threats.
Who Thinks What?
- The U.S. Secret Service and FBI identified a “suspicious” hunting stand near President Trump’s landing zone, initiating an investigation and emphasizing heightened security protocols, though no individuals were present at the stand.
- A senior law enforcement official suggested the hunting stand appeared to have been in place for some time and there is currently no indication it was constructed with the intent to target President Trump.
The U.S. Secret Service discovered a “suspicious” hunting stand near the Air Force One landing zone in West Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival over the weekend, prompting an FBI investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that no individuals were present at the stand when it was found.
Patel informed Fox News Digital that the Secret Service identified what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight of the landing zone prior to the President’s return to the area. He later confirmed on social media that the FBI is leading the investigation into the “suspicious stand.”
According to a senior law enforcement official, the hunting stand was located across from Palm Beach International Airport and appeared to have been in place for some time. There is currently no indication that the stand was constructed with the intent to target President Trump.
Security Measures and Investigation
Hunters commonly erect and leave such stands for future use, particularly bow hunters in densely wooded areas, though they can also be used by those with firearms. Despite this common practice, the proximity to a presidential landing zone triggered immediate security protocols.
Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief of communications, confirmed that “items of interest” were identified near Palm Beach International Airport during advance security preparations. He emphasized that there was no impact on any movements, and no individuals were present or involved at the location.
Guglielmi highlighted the importance of layered security measures, stating that the Secret Service would defer additional comments to the FBI, which is leading the investigation. Both agencies have refrained from providing further details regarding the incident.
Context of Past Incidents
This discovery follows two reported assassination attempts against President Trump during his second campaign for president. Last month, Ryan Routh was convicted on charges related to an attempt on Trump’s life while he was playing golf in Florida last year.
Additionally, President Trump sustained injuries during an assassination attempt in July 2024 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Secret Service later characterized that incident as an “operational failure,” citing breakdowns in communication, technological issues, and human error as contributing factors.
The ongoing investigation into the suspicious hunting stand underscores the heightened security vigilance surrounding presidential movements, particularly given the recent history of threats against President Trump.
