PALM BEACH (US): US President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One using a smaller rear stairway on Sunday amid heightened security at Palm Beach International Airport, after the Secret Service discovered a suspected sniper’s perch overlooking the presidential aircraft’s boarding area, Fox News reported.

FBI takes over investigation

“Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone,” said FBI Director Kash Patel, speaking to Fox News.

He added that no individuals were found at the site and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had assumed control of the probe. “The FBI has since taken the investigatory lead, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the scene and deploying our cell phone analytics capabilities,” Patel said.

Officials confirmed that no firearms, ammunition, or explosives were found, but the discovery triggered a swift review of airport security measures.

Structure found close to Air Force One parking area

According to the FBI, the wooden structure was located around 200 yards from the part of the airfield where Air Force One had recently been parked. Local reports indicated that due to ongoing airport construction, the presidential aircraft was positioned nearer to a section usually reserved for private planes — inadvertently bringing it into the line of sight of the elevated stand.

Investigators are now working to identify who built or used the structure and whether it has any links to recent threats. “The hunting stand has not yet been connected to any individual,” Patel confirmed.

No arrests have been made as of Monday, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including the likelihood that the structure may have been built for legitimate purposes but later abandoned.

Increased precautions during Trump’s boarding

In light of the security concern, Trump boarded Air Force One through the smaller, rear set of stairs — a procedure typically reserved for low-visibility or high-risk situations. The Secret Service reportedly implemented this measure to minimise potential exposure during boarding.

A spokesperson for the Secret Service did not provide additional details but emphasised that the agency maintains “multiple contingency plans to ensure the President’s safety in all environments.”

Context: Two previous assassination attempts

The latest security scare comes after two prior assassination attempts targeting Trump.

In July 2024, Trump narrowly escaped a sniper attack during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when shots were fired at the stage. Secret Service agents swiftly neutralised the assailant, preventing casualties.

Two months later, on September 15, 2024, 59-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested after allegedly attempting another sniper-style attack near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach. The suspect was apprehended before any harm occurred.

Heightened vigilance ahead of election season

The discovery of the suspected sniper’s nest underscores the heightened security challenges facing law enforcement as the US enters a politically charged election cycle. Federal agencies have reportedly stepped up surveillance and counter-sniper operations around major political figures.

Authorities said the investigation at Palm Beach Airport remains ongoing, with the FBI continuing forensic analysis of the structure and surrounding area