The U.S. Secret Service discovered a suspicious hunting stand with a direct view of where President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Fox News Digital officials reported. The FBI took the lead in investigating the discovery.
According to news reports, agents identified the elevated booth Thursday during preliminary security preparations ahead of Trump’s arrival in Palm Beach.
“Prior to the president’s return to West Palm Beach, the USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting lodge in the line of sight of Air Force One’s landing zone,” FBI Director Kash Patel was quoted as saying by the news outlet. “No individuals were found at the scene. The FBI has since taken over the investigation, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the crime scene and deploying our cell phone analytical capabilities.”
USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi added, “There was no impact from any movement and no individuals were present or involved at the scene.”
Cooperation with local authorities
Guglielmi confirmed that the Secret Service is “working closely” with the FBI and local law enforcement in Palm Beach County.
“While we are unable to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures,” Guglielmi said.
The evidence suggests a long-term setting
A law enforcement source said the booth appeared to have been built “months ago.” Authorities have not yet linked it to anyone.
Previous threats to Trump
The discovery comes weeks after Ryan Routh was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump on a Palm Beach golf course from a sniper’s nest. Routh, 59, faced five federal felonies, including attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assault on a federal officer and several firearms offenses.
Trump had also previously been shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in a separate assassination attempt.
