FBI Investigates Hunting Stand Found Near Air Force One Landing Zone

Federal authorities are investigating a hunting stand discovered with a direct line of sight to Air Force One’s designated landing area at Palm Beach International Airport ahead of President Trump’s arrival last week.

The Details: Secret Service found the structure on Thursday during a routine security sweep, according to multiple reports. A Secret Service spokesperson said no one was present at the site and no one’s been taken into custody. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Sunday that the bureau had taken over the investigation, deploying forensic teams and evidence collection units to the site. Air Force One doesn’t normally park in the area, but was parked there due to recent construction and has used the location in the past. Officials told CBS News (Lean Left bias), that the stand appeared to have been in place for several months due to its condition. 

For Context: Hunting is not common near Florida airports and is generally prohibited due to safety concerns and federal regulations. Trump has survived two assassination attempts since his 2024 presidential campaign, and receives heightened Secret Service protection following a series of threats. Earlier this year, Ryan Routh was convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump by setting up a sniper’s nest near a Palm Beach golf course. 

How the Media Covered It: Fox News (Right) emphasized the FBI's investigation. It quoted FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stating the Secret Service was "very concerned" about the discovery. They also highlighted the Secret Service's expansion of its security perimeter around the airport. CBS News noted the finding didn’t impact Trump’s movements, and outlined construction at the site, saying it was not immediately clear when construction ended. Newsweek (Center) wrote the discovery “suggests that threats to Trump continue to evolve across multiple locations and methods.” It also mentioned the FBI investigation and that the condition of the stand suggests it wasn’t in response to Trump's arrival.

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