Trump Motorcade Rerouted in Florida After 'Suspicious Object' Found Near Palm Beach Airport

President Donald Trump’s motorcade was rerouted Sunday evening after a "suspicious object" was discovered during routine security sweeps at Palm Beach International Airport, the White House said.

What Happened

The White House did not identify the item. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said a "further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly."

"A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly," Leavitt said in a statement.

When reporters asked about the package, President Trump replied, "I know nothing about it."

On the Ground

Trump left his Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago, at about 6:20 p.m. for the roughly 10-minute drive to the airport. Instead of the usual path, the motorcade took a circular alternate route around the city while security teams completed their checks.

Motorcycle police formed a moving blockade for the motorcade; at one point officers on motorcycles nearly collided with the vans escorting the president, officials said. Air Force One was positioned on the opposite side of the airport from its typical spot and its exterior lights were turned off during the departure.

Security Response

Anthony Guglielmi, spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service, said the alternate route was taken as a precaution and described the move as standard protocol during security concerns. Authorities said further investigation of the object was underway.

No injuries or other incidents were reported in connection with the detour.