Former President Donald Trump faces a second assassination attempt on September 15. The Republican presidential candidate was playing golf at his West Palm Beach course when this incident took place. The suspect has been arrested and Trump is unharmed. However, this attempt has sent shockwaves to the crypto market causing BTC to plummet.
Shots Were Fired
The incident happened around 1 PM EST. Secret Service agents spotted a man armed with an AK-47 style rifle. He was hiding in the bushes near the property. The agents opened fire that forced the suspect to flee in his Black SUV. Authorities found two backpacks and a GoPro camera near the fence along with the rifle. The suspect was later identified as 58 year old Ryan Wesley Routh. He escaped but couldn’t get far. A quick thinking witness took a photo of his vehicle license plate. This helped the police to locate and arrest him on interstate 95.
Bitcoin Takes a Hit
The News of assassination attempt not only shook the political world but the crypto market as well. The price of Bitcoin dropped around 3% from $60,313 to $58,627.
This decline triggered a wave of liquidations worth $116.52 million, with most of it ($106.52 million) coming from long trades. In the last 24 hours, market chaos increased as liquidations hit 49,351 traders.
Trump’s stance on making the U.S. a hub for cryptocurrency caused this sharp decline. Many in the crypto community expect him to create better regulations and a nurturing environment for the space.
Authorities React
The FBI is treating the incident as an “attempted assassination.” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas praised the quick action of the Secret Service, saying it likely prevented a major tragedy. He emphasized that protecting presidential candidates remains a top priority.
I commend the Secret Service for its quick action to preempt this apparent assassination attempt and protect the former President. We condemn violence against public officials and candidates. (1/2)
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) September 16, 2024
Political Leaders Condemn Violence
I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 15, 2024
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. Both strongly condemned the violence, with leaders from across the political spectrum calling for an end to such attacks.