Secret Service foils Trump assassination attempt

Former president Donald Trump was unharmed on Sunday following a second possible assassination attempt in little more than two months.

A suspect is in custody, after US Secret Service personnel opened fire on a gunman near the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, local and federal authorities 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!," Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, said. "Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER."

Authorities said they apprehended the suspect after a witness provided a picture of the suspect's vehicle and license plate. Investigators found a rifle with a scope, a pair of backpacks and a camera at the scene.

Vice president Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, said she was "deeply disturbed" about the incident and thankful Trump is safe.

"I will be clear," Harris said. "I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence."

President Joe Biden said he was relieved Trump was unharmed.

The incident Sunday came little more than two months after a gunman opened fire on Trump on 13 July during a during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing Trump's ear, and less than eight weeks before the 5 November elections.

By David Ivanovich