FBI Probes Hunting Stand Found Near Trump’s Air Force One Exit at Palm Beach Airport/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The FBI is conducting a full-scale forensic investigation after a hunting stand was discovered with a direct line of sight to President Donald Trump’s Air Force One exit point at Palm Beach International Airport. Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the discovery Monday during a televised interview, stating the agency is treating the situation as a “zero-fail mission” with no room for error.
Quick Look: Hunting Stand Investigation Near Trump’s Aircraft
- The U.S. Secret Service discovered the elevated structure during a routine security sweep last Thursday near Trump’s Air Force One access point.
- FBI Director Kash Patel ordered an immediate response, and the stand was dismantled and transported to the FBI’s forensic lab.
- Investigators are applying digital and biometric forensics to determine the origin, purpose, and potential threat.
- No individuals were located at the site during the discovery.
- Increased security measures have been implemented at Palm Beach International Airport in response to recent threats.
- The incident follows recent high-profile acts of political violence, including the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump and the recent killing of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Deep Look: FBI Launches Forensic Probe Into Hunting Stand Overlooking Trump’s Air Force One
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a high-priority investigation after the Secret Service discovered a hunting stand with a clear view of where President Donald Trump typically disembarks from Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport. The find was made during a standard pre-arrival security sweep conducted last Thursday.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the investigation on Fox News, describing the effort as a “zero-fail mission.” He said the stand has since been dismantled and transported to an FBI laboratory where agents are applying a suite of digital, biometric, and forensic tools to determine who erected it and for what purpose.
“This isn’t something where you get a second chance,” Bongino said, emphasizing the stakes involved when securing the president’s arrival points. “There are no do-overs in this kind of mission.”
The FBI’s swift response was ordered by Director Kash Patel, who emphasized the importance of full-scale analysis given the potentially dangerous implications. According to Bongino, the structure was removed immediately, and the investigation was launched before Trump’s scheduled return to Florida.
News previously reported that no individuals were present when the stand was found. Authorities have yet to confirm whether it was used, abandoned, or simply under construction.
This discovery adds a new layer of urgency to what has already been a heightened security atmosphere. Trump’s travel protocols have undergone significant changes, including shorter exit stairs and perimeter expansions, following the July 2024 assassination attempt and the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“These aren’t random changes,” Bongino noted. “The Secret Service and the FBI have reviewed everything. This hunting stand discovery is just one of several reasons why protective details around President Trump are evolving.”
The location of the stand, along with its unimpeded line of sight to a sensitive exit area, has prompted questions about whether it could have served as a platform for surveillance or worse.
While there is no confirmed threat at this time, the federal investigation will attempt to determine if the structure was strategically placed for malicious intent or if it was coincidentally located. Officials have not ruled out any possibilities.
The Secret Service is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement to ensure that any vulnerabilities exposed by this incident are addressed immediately.
Though no arrests have been made, the FBI has vowed to pursue all available leads. “Every tool in our investigative arsenal is being used,” Bongino stated.
The agency’s concern reflects a broader trend of increased domestic threats targeting high-profile political figures, especially during volatile election cycles.
As the investigation continues, the FBI has requested that the public report any suspicious activity near secure areas or federal installations. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to continue his travel schedule with enhanced security protocols in place.
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