Another lapse in Trump security? FBI probes suspicious hunting stand discovered near Air Force One landing zone

FBI investigates suspicious hunting stand found near Air Force One landing zone in Palm Beach, with no individuals located at the scene.

Updated on: Oct 19, 2025, 23:51:44 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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The FBI is looking into yet another possible security lapse involving President Trump. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that when Trump lands in Palm Beach, the Secret Service discovered a suspicious hunting stand perched in a tree that is directly in view of his Air Force One.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced an investigation into a hunting stand discovered near President Trump's Air Force One landing site in Palm Beach. (AP)

“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,” Patel exclusively told Fox News Digital.

“No individuals were located at the scene. 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.”

The stand hasn't been connected to any person.

Also Read: Why Trump's first ex-wife preferred Melania over Marla Maples? ‘She got away with…'

Secret Service collaborates wit FBI

The Secret Service agents are “working closely” with the FBI and Palm Beach County law enforcement, USSS chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi told Fox.

Guglielmi further stated that there was no influence on any movements and that no one was in attendance or involved at the spot.

“While we are not able to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures,” Guglielmi added.

An other law enforcement source stated that the stand appears to have been installed “months ago.”

Assassination attempt on Trump

The apparent breakdown in the Secret Service's security for Trump comes less than a month after Ryan Routh was found guilty on all charges relating to the September 2024 attempt to kill the then GOP presidential candidate on September 23rd.

Trump's alleged assassin Routh started stabbing himself in the neck with a pen in a Florida courtroom last month, after jurors reached a unanimous judgment.

Routh became close to Trump in September 2024, when the then-president played golf at his Trump International Golf Club property in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Routh was apprehended after a Secret Service agent observed him brandishing a firearm through a fence.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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