Bernd Debsmann Jr.
white house reporter

Donald Trump spent this week in Washington, D.C., far from his Mar-a-Lago mansion. Even so, this shooting was surprising and shocking.

I have been to Mar-a-Lago several times, including twice this year in December and January.

Security at the facility is extremely tight, with the outer cordon controlled by local Palm Beach sheriff’s officials and the inner cordon controlled by the Secret Service. Visitors will be searched and cars and bags will be searched with dogs and metal detectors.

Details of the incident have not yet been released, but tight security may help explain why the gunman appeared to be quickly thwarted as he tried to advance further into the compound.

Security will be maintained even in the absence of Trump and his personal security personnel. Mar-a-Lago’s regulars include prominent Republicans and wealthy business leaders.

There are still many unanswered questions about the suspect and his possible motives.

But this incident, along with others such as the two attempts on President Trump’s life and the shooting death of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, is almost certain to raise concerns about political violence in the United States.