Trump Boards Air Force One Amid Sniper Threat at Palm Beach Airport

US President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One using a smaller set of stairs on Sunday after the Secret Service detected a suspected sniper’s nest near the boarding area at Palm Beach International Airport, raising concerns about presidential security.

FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that the elevated wooden structure, resembling a hunting stand, was located within line of sight of the aircraft’s recent parking zone. No individuals were found on the site, and authorities confirmed there were no explosives or ammunition present. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, deploying evidence collection teams and advanced tracking technologies, including cell phone analytics, to determine the origin and purpose of the perch.

Officials noted that Air Force One was temporarily stationed near a section of the airport typically used for private planes, potentially exposing it to the structure’s vantage point. Due to the threat, the Secret Service adjusted boarding protocols, using smaller rear stairs to reduce visibility and potential exposure.

This incident follows two previous assassination attempts on Trump. In July 2024, shots were fired at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, before the suspect was neutralized. In September 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested for allegedly attempting another sniper attack near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course.

The discovery has prompted a thorough security review at Palm Beach Airport and renewed attention to the vulnerability of high-profile travel zones. The FBI continues to investigate who built or used the sniper perch and whether it is linked to prior threats. No arrests have been made so far, and the Secret Service remains on high alert to safeguard the President during upcoming movements.

The heightened alert underlines the persistent security risks facing the former President and the steps taken by federal agencies to mitigate potential threats. Experts note that such incidents underscore the importance of robust airport and presidential security protocols, particularly amid ongoing political and public scrutiny.