The FBI has initiated an investigation following the discovery of a suspicious hunting stand positioned with a direct line of sight to the area where President Donald Trump disembarks from Air Force One. This incident occurred at Palm Beach International Airport shortly before the President’s planned arrival on March 15, 2024.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating that no individuals were found at the scene. “Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, the Secret Service discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone,” Patel said in a formal statement. He emphasized that the FBI has yet to connect the hunting stand to any persons of interest.
The discovery was made during advance security preparations by the Secret Service. Anthony Guglielmi, the communications chief for the Secret Service, reported that “items of interest” were located near the airport. He reassured that there was no impact on any movements related to the President’s arrival, noting, “No individuals were present or involved at the location.” Guglielmi highlighted that this incident underscores the importance of their layered security measures.
In a subsequent update, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino informed media outlets that agents had dismantled the hunting stand for further examination. “It’s being flown to our lab,” Bongino stated. “All the forensic tools we have, from digital tools to biometric tools, are going to be applied to try to find out who put this up there and why.”
The FBI has mobilized resources to collect evidence from the scene, utilizing advanced cell phone analytics capabilities to aid in their inquiry. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and security of the President during his travels.
As the investigation unfolds, officials remain focused on uncovering the origins and intentions behind the hunting stand. The heightened security measures are a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting public figures.
This incident raises broader questions about security protocols and the measures taken to safeguard leaders. As investigations continue, the FBI and Secret Service are committed to ensuring that every aspect of the situation is thoroughly examined.
