Authorities share disturbing discovery found in bushes where Donald Trump 'assassination' suspect was spotted

Authorities have shared more information regarding the alarming "assassination attempt" against Donald Trump on Sunday.

Donald Trump was the target of an apparent "assassination attempt" while golfing. Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty

While playing golf at the Trump International Golf Club at West Palm Beach, the 78-year-old former president once again became victim to what the FBI and Secret Service are describing as an apparent "assassination attempt".

The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 15, when Secret Service agents accompanying Trump spotted a gunman hiding in bushes around the golf course.

Rafael Barros, the Secret Service special agent in charge of the Miami field office, said in a statement, per CNN, that "US Secret Service personnel opened fire on a gunman located near the property line."

Barros confirmed Trump was "safe and unharmed".

Credit: Anadolu / Getty

The suspect then reportedly fled the scene in a black Nissan car, before being detained by officers on the I-95.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed that a suspect had been detained by authorities.

The suspect has since been named as Ryan Wesley Routh by US media, with CNN citing three law enforcement sources.

During a press conference on Sunday evening, Bradshaw also shared images and details of the items found in the bushes at the scene.

Law enforcement say they discovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope attached and two backpacks tied to the surrounding fence, which contained ceramic tiles.

Perhaps most disturbing of all was a GoPro camera found also attached to the fence - with Bradshaw telling reporters that authorities believe the suspect intended to record his actions.

A photo of the items found where the suspect was spotted. Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty

Bradshaw added that those items were being processed.

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe told CNN that the "whole set-up indicates a very high level of pre-planning."

Per BBC News, the suspected gunman is currently being held in custody and no official charges have been filed against him yet.

The 58-year-old is expected to appear in front of a judge later today (Monday, September 16).

Sunday's alarming incident comes two months after Trump escaped with just a bloody ear after being targeted by would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, during a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

Featured image credit: Joe Raedle / Getty