Washington, 16 September 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Former US president Donald Trump has taken to his social media platform to thank people for their concern following an apparent assassination attempt.

Gunshots were fired "in the vicinity" of Trump while he was playing golf in Florida on Sunday, his campaign team said.

The incident is being investigated as "what appears to be an attempted assassination," the FBI said.

Trump thanked people for their concern and well wishes on his Truth Social platform.

"It was certainly an interesting day!" he wrote late on Sunday.

He went on to thank the US Secret Service and law enforcement for the "incredible job" in keeping him safe.

"The job was done absolutely outstanding. I am very proud to be an American," he wrote.

The US Secret Service had seen a gun barrel sticking out of a boundary fence, Palm Beach County sheriff Ric Bradshaw told a press conference.

The suspect was about 270 to 450 metres away from Trump, who was playing golf at the time, he said.

The Secret Service had shot at the suspect, spokesman Rafael Barros said. Bradshaw said it was unclear whether the man had also fired a shot. No injuries were reported.

A suspect fled the scene but had been detained by local police, who had found an AK-47 assault rifle with a telescopic sight and camera in the bushes at the scene, Bradshaw said.

Earlier, in a fundraising email sent shortly after the incident, Trump said there were gunshots in his vicinity.

"But before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I am safe and well!" he wrote.

"Nothing will slow me down. I will never surrender! I will always love you for supporting me."

"No further details at this time," his spokesman Steven Cheung said in a brief statement issued by the Trump campaign, as did Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi in a post on X.

Biden and Harris relieved Trump is safe, condemn violence

In Washington, the White House said that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been informed of the incident.

Biden commended the work of the Secret Service and law enforcement for "their vigilance and their efforts" to keep Trump and those around him safe.

"I am relieved that the former President is unharmed," Biden said in a statement.

"As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President's continued safety."

Harris said she was "deeply disturbed" by the possible assassination attempt.

"As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence," she said in a statement.

"I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance," Harris said.

Trump's running mate JD Vance said he had spoken to him before the news was made public.

"He was, amazingly, in good spirits. Still much we don't know, but I'll be hugging my kids extra tight tonight and saying a prayer of gratitude," Vance wrote on X.

On July 13, a gunman shot at Trump from a nearby rooftop at a campaign event in Pennsylvania.

Trump was injured by a bullet to his right ear and the perpetrator was shot dead by security forces shortly afterwards. One man died and two others were injured at the rally.

Photo: EPA