Federal officials uncovered a “suspicious stand” near Palm Beach International Airport, an area frequently utilized by Air Force One during President Trump’s visits to Florida. This discovery was shared by FBI Director Kash Patel through a social media post on Sunday. The U.S. Secret Service stated they found “items of interest” while conducting security sweeps before the president’s arrival on Friday.
Details Surrounding the Discovery
While the items unearthed by the Secret Service were not specifically identified, a photo was released showing what resembles a high-placed hunting stand situated in a tree. According to Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, the discovery did not affect airport operations, and there were no individuals present at the site.
Previous Presence of the Stand
- Multiple sources indicated the hunting stand had been present for months.
- Trump had not used the airport section where the stand was located due to ongoing construction.
- The Secret Service resumed security sweeps in that area after construction concluded.
The exact end date of the construction remains unclear. President Trump arrived at Palm Beach airport on Friday and is anticipated to return to Washington on Sunday following a weekend stay at his Mar-a-Lago club.
Security Concerns at the Airport
Located under a mile from Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, the airport has previously been the location of security incidents. Last year, an attempted assassination against the president occurred at the golf club. Prosecutors revealed that Ryan Routh, who was convicted for the plot last month, aimed a rifle from the tree line. Alerted by Secret Service agents, the situation was managed without harm to the president.
Additionally, a separate assassination attempt occurred just two months prior, when a bullet grazed Trump’s ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. These incidents have intensified scrutiny regarding the Secret Service’s operational protocols. As a result, several agents faced suspension earlier this year.
