News Summary
The FBI is probing a suspicious hunting stand discovered near Palm Beach International Airport, raising security concerns ahead of President Trump’s arrival. Found by the Secret Service shortly before the president’s landing, the stand’s purpose remains unclear. Authorities are employing cell phone analytics to gather evidence, while local law enforcement is enhancing security measures in the area. Southern Boulevard was closed for a thorough investigation, highlighting the escalating security challenges associated with protecting high-profile individuals amidst various alarming incidents.
Florida – The FBI has launched an investigation into a suspicious hunting stand located near Palm Beach International Airport, which has raised significant security concerns ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival on October 17, 2024. The stands, strategically positioned with a direct line of sight to where Trump typically exits Air Force One, were discovered by the U.S. Secret Service shortly before the president’s scheduled landing at approximately 6:24 PM.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, authorities have yet to establish a connection between the hunting stand and any individual, leaving the episode shrouded in uncertainty. Although no one was apprehended at the scene when the structure was discovered, the FBI is currently utilizing cell phone analytics and other investigative resources to gather crucial evidence from the area.
Local law enforcement sources have reported that the hunting stand appeared to have been set up months prior to its discovery. However, its intended purpose remains ambiguous, and it is unclear if it was designed for hunting purposes or to serve another function.
In response to the potential threat, Southern Boulevard, a key thoroughfare that runs parallel to the airport, was closed to traffic for approximately 24 hours to ensure a thorough investigation could take place. This closure affected traffic between Congress Avenue and Military Trail. During this time, a protective perimeter was established around the Atlantic Aviation area, incorporating sharpshooters and a fleet of yellow school buses to increase security as the president’s motorcade traversed parts of the closed route when traveling between the airport and Mar-a-Lago.
The discovery of the hunting stand comes on the heels of several alarming security incidents concerning Trump. Notably, in September 2024, an assassination attempt was made by an individual named Ryan Routh during a visit to Trump’s golf course. Earlier in the year, in July 2024, Trump sustained injuries resulting from a sniper attack at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which tragically claimed the life of one supporter while injuring two others.
Southern Boulevard was reopened to traffic around 5 PM on October 19, 2024, after the investigation concluded. However, the FBI has reported that “items of interest” were located in the vicinity of the hunting stand, though specifics on these items have not been disclosed to the public. The FBI has also indicated that their investigation will persist, and they will provide updates when significant developments occur.
As the investigation continues, local law enforcement, including the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is collaborating closely with federal agencies to enhance security measures around the area affected. With ongoing threats against the president, the heightened security response highlights the serious nature of the situation.
The alarming events surrounding Trump’s recent travels underscore the significant challenges faced by security personnel tasked with ensuring the safety of high-profile figures. The FBI’s inquiry into the suspicious hunting stand will be pivotal in determining whether this incident poses a legitimate threat or if it is merely a misguided setup without nefarious intent.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Palm Beach Post
- WPBF
- USA Today
- Hindustan Times
- Miami Herald
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- Google Search: Trump security threat
- Google Scholar: Trump security incidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Donald Trump
- Google News: Trump hunting stand investigation
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
