Two in custody after checkpoint breach at Trump resort
Florida Highway Patrol officers opened fire after a black SUV forced two security checkpoints around President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort (JOE RAEDLE)
Miami (AFP) – Shots were fired and two people taken into custody Friday after a vehicle breached security checkpoints at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, triggering a brief car chase, authorities said.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office said Highway Patrol officers opened fire after the black SUV forced two checkpoints leading to the main entrance of the private members club in Palm Beach, where Trump is headed later on Friday.
“The vehicle fled while being pursued” by patrol agents and a helicopter overhead, the office said in a statement.
“The vehicle has NOW been located and two individuals are currently in custody,” it said, adding that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would investigate.
CNN quoted a person currently at Mar-a-Lago as saying Secret Service agents had instructed guests and staff to remain inside — and that it might be hours before they were free to leave, but the scene was described as calm and organized.
Trump and his wife Melania were due to leave Washington at 4 pm (2100 GMT) bound for the “Winter White House” — as the president dubs the Florida resort where he spends many of his weekends. They were scheduled to arrive at around 7 pm.
A news conference on the incident has been scheduled for 3 pm.
Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.