FBI Investigating Potential Sniper Setup Near President Trump’s Palm Beach Arrival [WATCH]

Federal authorities are investigating a security threat after the Secret Service discovered a hunting stand positioned with a clear line of sight to the location where President Donald Trump exits Air Force One in Palm Beach, Florida.

The FBI has taken control of the investigation, according to statements provided to Fox News.

Officials said the elevated stand was found last week near the Air Force One landing area at Palm Beach International Airport.

The structure appeared to have been in place for several months.

“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,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News.

Patel confirmed that “no individuals were located at the scene,” and said federal agents immediately launched an evidence-gathering operation.

“The FBI has since taken the investigatory lead, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the scene, and deploying our cell phone analytics capabilities,” Patel said.

USSS spotted a suspicious stand near the AF1 zone in Palm Beach.

The FBI is investigating. pic.twitter.com/nMCoVP9mKB

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 19, 2025

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Fox News reported that the U.S. Secret Service uncovered the stand during security sweeps ahead of President Trump’s scheduled arrival.

The structure was positioned in a way that allowed direct visual access to the aircraft’s exit point. Authorities have not yet linked the stand to any individual or group.

Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, confirmed that the agency is “working closely” with the FBI and local law enforcement in Palm Beach County.

He said the discovery was made during “advance security preparations” conducted before the President’s visit.

“There was no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved at the location,” Guglielmi told Fox News.

Patel reiterated that “USSS spotted a suspicious stand near the AF1 zone in Palm Beach,” prompting the federal response.

The discovery adds to a pattern of security incidents in the area involving potential sniper threats near President Trump’s residence and properties in Florida.

Last year, federal prosecutors charged Ryan Routh, 59, with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate after authorities said he set up a sniper position outside President Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.

According to investigators, Routh pushed the muzzle of his rifle through the perimeter fence before fleeing into nearby brush.

Law enforcement officers later recovered a Go-Pro camera, two backpacks, a loaded SKS-style 7.62×39 caliber rifle with a scope, and a black plastic bag containing food.

One of the backpacks held ceramic tiles believed to have been intended for use as body armor.

Following a two-week trial in federal court, a Florida jury found Routh guilty last month on all five counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and weapons-related offenses.

The Secret Service and FBI have not released additional details regarding the Palm Beach investigation.

Authorities said President Trump’s travel schedule and security operations were not affected by the discovery.

Both agencies are continuing to assess whether the hunting stand poses any connection to previous threats or incidents involving the President’s security perimeter in southern Florida.