Uncovering the Mystery: Long-Standing Hunting Stand Discovered Near Air Force One’s Florida Landing Zone

The US Secret Service recently encountered an unusual discovery ahead of President Biden’s arrival in Florida, raising eyebrows and prompting an investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that a “suspicious” hunting stand was found within view of the Air Force One landing zone in Palm Beach. Interestingly, the stand was unoccupied at the time of discovery.

In a statement to the press, Director Patel explained, “Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, the USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone.” This information was also shared on social media, where Patel confirmed that the FBI is actively looking into what he described as a “suspicious stand” located near this critical area.

A senior law enforcement official, speaking to CNN, provided further details, noting that the stand was situated across from the airport. It appeared to have been in place for quite some time, judging by its condition, suggesting it wasn’t a recent addition to the landscape.

Such hunting stands are commonly erected by hunters and left for future use. They are typically utilized by bow hunters, especially in densely wooded areas, but can also serve those using firearms. These stands are a familiar sight in many hunting regions, often left undisturbed for long periods.

There is nothing to currently indicate the stand was built to target the president, the source said.

The US Secret Service confirmed that teams identified “items of interest” near Palm Beach International Airport during advance security preparations ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival.

“During advance security preparations prior to the Palm Beach arrival, which included the use of technology and comprehensive physical sweeps, our teams identified items of interest near Palm Beach International Airport,” Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief of communications, said in the statement.

“There was no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved at the location. While we are not able to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures. The FBI is leading the investigation and we would refer any additional comment to them.”

The FBI and Secret Service provided no additional details related to the incident.

The announcement from Patel and the Secret Service comes after Trump was targeted by two assassination attempts during his second campaign for president.

Just last month, Ryan Routh – who was accused of attempting to kill Trump as he played a round of golf on his Florida course last year – was found guilty on all charges against him.

The president was also injured during an assassination attempt in July 2024 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Secret Service later said the attempt on Trump’s life represented an “operational failure” with multiple reports finding “breakdowns in communication, technological issues, and human failure, among other contributing factors.”

(The-CNN-Wire & 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)