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The United States Secret Service discovered a suspicious hunting stand with a direct line of sight to Air Force One in the area where President Donald Trump lands and descends from the presidential plane at the Palm Beach International Airport in Florida.
The discovery raised security alarms and triggered an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), authorities cited by NBC News and CBS News confirmed.
The discovery occurred on Thursday, during security preparations for the president's visit to Palm Beach to spend the weekend at his private residence of Mar-a-Lago.
According to the spokesperson for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, security teams identified "items of interest" during a thorough sweep of the area.
A photograph disseminated by the Secret Service shows what appears to be a camouflaged platform high up in a tree, providing a direct view of the runway and the spot where Trump disembarks from the presidential plane.
"There was no impact on any movement, and there were no people present or involved at the site," Guglielmi stated in an official announcement cited by both outlets.
The FBI is now leading the investigation to determine if the position had any purpose related to surveillance or threat. So far, no arrests have been reported.
Palm Beach, the place to see Trump and Air Force One
The discovery occurred just as Palm Beach was preparing to welcome the president, who arrived on Friday afternoon on Air Force One to attend a fundraising event, and is expected to return to Washington on Sunday, according to a report by .
During his second term, the presidential plane has become a common symbol in the skies over West Palm Beach, where dozens of curious onlookers and supporters gather every time the plane lands or takes off, using the hashtags #AirForceOne and #TrumpForceOne.
On social media, there are plenty of images and selfies taken from a site near the Atlantic Aviation terminal, one of the favorite spots for locals and visitors to observe the leader up close. “There is a grassy area in front of the building where people often gather to take photos and videos,” reported the newspaper.
The habit of spectators approaching the airport to see the presidential plane, combined with the atmosphere of tension due to the recent assassination attempts against Trump, has heightened concerns about possible security failures.
Trump and a series of threats in Florida and Pennsylvania
The former president has survived two assassination attempts in the past year, NBC News reported. In July 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed his ear. In that attack, a man identified as Thomas Crooks, 20 years old, was shot dead by the Secret Service after opening fire from a rooftop.
Two months later, in September, Ryan Routh, 59 years old, was arrested after hiding among the bushes of a golf course in West Palm Beach, where he allegedly planned to attack Trump. Routh was convicted of attempted murder last month, and his sentencing is scheduled for December.
The airport where the suspicious package was found is located less than a mile from the very golf club where last year's attempted attack occurred, according to CBS News.
Under the Spotlight: Security and Public Exposure
The incident has once again called into question the security measures of the Secret Service, which has faced criticism and the suspension of agents in recent months. Although officials insist that there is no active threat, the discovery of the position reinforces the discussion about the vulnerability of the president in open and well-known areas.
The combination of public curiosity, exposure, and real risks creates a disturbing scenario: the very environment where fans seek a selfie with Air Force One could unknowingly become a surveillance point for a potential attacker.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Force One Security and the Situation in Palm Beach
What did the Secret Service find near Trump's Air Force One?
The Secret Service discovered a suspicious hunting post with a direct line of sight to Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport. This finding has raised security alarms and prompted a federal investigation led by the FBI.
What is the purpose of the hunting post found at the airport?
So far, the exact purpose of the position has not been determined. The FBI is investigating whether it was related to surveillance activities or if it posed a direct threat. No arrests have been made, and authorities have confirmed that no one was present at the site.
How does this discovery affect Donald Trump's security?
The finding has called into question the security measures of the Secret Service, which has already faced previous criticisms. Although no active threat has been identified, the event strengthens the debate regarding the president’s vulnerability in open and familiar areas, especially in a context where there have been recent assassination attempts against Trump.
What measures are being taken in Palm Beach to mitigate security risks?
The Secret Service and other federal agencies are conducting thorough investigations and adjustments to security protocols to protect the president and ensure that the area is secure during his visits. The situation has increased surveillance and coordination among various security agencies in Palm Beach.
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