Secret Service Discovers Suspicious Hunting Stand Near Air Force One Landing Area in Florida
The United States Secret Service discovered a “suspicious” hunting stand near the Air Force One landing zone in Florida just before President Donald Trump arrived over the weekend. FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed that no individuals were present at the stand when it was found, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to security during the presidential visit.
Discovery of the Suspicious Hunting Stand
According to Patel, the elevated hunting stand was positioned within the sight line of the landing area for Air Force One, located near Palm Beach International Airport. A senior law enforcement official later confirmed that the stand had likely been in place for a considerable time, suggesting normal hunting practices.
- The hunting stand is typically used by bow hunters in wooded areas.
- It can also accommodate hunters using firearms.
- Authorities have stated there is no indication that the stand was specifically aimed at targeting the president.
Security Measures Taken
The Secret Service confirmed that their team identified various “items of interest” during their pre-visit security sweep. Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer for the Secret Service, stated that the incident highlighted the significance of their layered security protocols. He noted that technology and comprehensive physical checks were utilized to ensure safety.
Investigation and Analysis
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino indicated that the hunting stand would be sent to their laboratory for further examination. Advanced forensic tools will be applied to determine who erected the stand and what their intentions were. The FBI is currently leading this investigation.
Background Context
This investigation comes in the wake of past attempts on President Trump’s life, including two significant assassination attempts during his ongoing presidential campaign. Recently, a man named Ryan Routh was found guilty of attempting to kill Trump while he was golfing in Florida last year. In a separate incident, Trump was injured during a July 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In light of these events, the Secret Service has faced scrutiny over its security measures, with reports indicating failures in communication and technological aspects. The discovery of the hunting stand adds another layer of complexity to the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the president.
