FBI Investigates Hunting Platform Near Air Force One Exit

The FBI is employing all available forensic resources to look into a recently uncovered hunting platform that overlooks the area where President Donald Trump departs from Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, according to Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

Bongino noted on “Fox & Friends” that this discovery raised significant concerns within the Secret Service, which stumbled upon the platform during routine patrols. He mentioned that upon learning about the situation, FBI Director Kash Patel called for an immediate response.

“I believe our plane was flown there. This hunting stand was properly dismantled, and it’s now being sent to our lab for further examination,” Bongino detailed.

He indicated that forensic tools, ranging from digital to biometric technologies, will be utilized to determine who set up the platform and their intentions. Investigators made the discovery last Thursday, just before Trump’s arrival back in West Palm Beach. Patel had previously stated that there was no one present at the scene during the investigation.

Bongino also highlighted prior incidents of political violence, including a July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump, which raised alarms about safety. He mentioned that the Secret Service has increased security measures, such as widening the perimeter around the airport.

“With the finding of this hunting platform, we’ve clearly seen a shift in security protocols,” he remarked. “This is a no-fail mission… You simply can’t afford any mistakes here.” Bongino, who has experience as both a Secret Service agent and an FBI agent, expressed the gravity of the current situation, emphasizing its importance.