Was Trump Targeted in Another Assassination Plot? Here’s What We Know

President Donald Trump’s security has been heightened once again after the discovery of a hunting stand near his Air Force One boarding area at Palm Beach International Airport on October 16, 2025. This finding has raised new concerns about potential threats to the president’s safety, especially following an assassination attempt last year.

New Security Measures Following Discovery of Hunting Stand

On Sunday, October 19, President Trump was seen using a smaller set of stairs while boarding Air Force One at the Palm Beach airport. This unusual security precaution was implemented after a hunting stand was found within sight of the aircraft’s landing zone. The U.S. Secret Service uncovered the stand last week, which led to an immediate investigation by both the FBI and the Secret Service.

Kash Patel, the FBI director, explained that the stand was discovered during preparations for the president’s return to the area. “Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone,” he told. While no shooter was located, the investigation was ramped up with the FBI deploying resources and analyzing cell phone data to gather more information.

Though no direct threat has been linked to the hunting stand, the discovery has led to an increase in security around the president’s travel plans.

Another Assassination Attempt on Trump

The new security measures come over a year after a separate assassination attempt targeting Trump, who was then a presidential candidate. On September 15, 2024, a man named Ryan Routh set up a sniper’s nest at a Palm Beach golf course located near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Concealed behind bushes near the fence line, Routh aimed a rifle at the course. His position was discovered by a U.S. Secret Service agent, prompting him to flee, although he was later apprehended.

Routh, who had been charged with multiple offenses, later attempted to stab himself with a pen during his court hearing but was thwarted by U.S. Marshals. Following his arrest, Trump took to Truth Social, expressing his gratitude to law enforcement for preventing the attack, saying, “This was an evil man with an evil intention, and they caught him. A very big moment for JUSTICE IN AMERICA!”

Ryan Routh was found guilty on all charges earlier this year, and his sentencing is set for December 18, 2025.