EXCLUSIVE: In a recent security sweep, the U.S. Secret Service identified a suspicious hunting stand that directly overlooks the spot where former President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, sources revealed to Fox News Digital.
The discovery was made on Thursday, prompting the FBI to launch an investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel reported that there is currently no connection between the hunting stand and any individual.
“Before the President’s return to West Palm Beach, the Secret Service found what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand in direct view of the Air Force One landing area,” Patel stated to Fox News Digital. “No people were found at the location. The FBI is now leading the investigation, deploying resources to gather all evidence and utilizing our cell phone analysis tools.”
Anthony Guglielmi, the communications chief for the Secret Service, confirmed that they are “collaborating closely” with the FBI and local law enforcement in Palm Beach County.
The Secret Service discovered a hunting stand in proximity to the Florida airport frequently used by President Donald Trump. (US Secret Service)
Guglielmi noted that the agents came across the hunting stand during their “advance security preparations” ahead of Trump’s anticipated arrival in Palm Beach.
“There was no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved at the location,” Guglielmi told Fox News.
“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,” he added.
President Donald Trump exits from Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport on February 14, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital the stand appeared to have been set up “months ago.”
The investigation comes weeks after Ryan Routh was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump on a Palm Beach golf course from a sniper’s nest he set up in bushes along a fence line.
A sketch depicting court proceedings during the Ryan Routh trial in Fort Pierce, Florida on September 23, 2025. Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen after being found guilty. (Lothar Speer)
Routh, 59, was charged on five federal criminal counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses.
That alleged attempt came after a separate attempt where Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa.
