Senator Lindsey Graham expressed shock and concern on Monday following an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his golf course. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a man with a gun who managed to get close to Trump, prompting questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place.
Graham, a close ally of Trump and a prominent Republican figure, questioned how someone could approach Trump with a rifle on the golf course. He noted that it was fortunate that a member of the Secret Service was able to spot the gun barrel protruding from the bushes where the assailant was hiding.
While acknowledging the quick response of the Secret Service agent who detected the threat, Graham raised concerns about the overall security system. He emphasized that it was alarming that an individual could bring an AK-47 to the fence line and hide in bushes without being detected until the gun barrel was exposed.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also weighed in on the incident, expressing relief that Trump was unharmed and calling for reassurances about the level of security provided to the former president. McConnell described the attempted assassination as dismaying and emphasized the importance of ensuring Trump's safety.
The incident has reignited discussions about the security protocols in place for former presidents and high-profile individuals. Questions have been raised about the adequacy of security measures at public venues frequented by prominent figures like Trump.
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, both Graham and McConnell emphasized the need for Trump to continue with his activities, including playing golf. They underscored the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy while ensuring enhanced security measures to prevent similar threats in the future.