An opera singer was charged with assault on a federal officer and deadly assault on sheriff’s deputies near Mar-a-Lago.
Hannah Roemhild, 30, was described as acting irrationally by authorities. The incident occurred when a suspect erratically drove a car at 70 mph, crossing two security checkpoints near the president’s resort. Police said Roemhild danced on the SUV before reentering and attempting to put the vehicle in reverse.
Police tried to smash the car window to gain control of the vehicle, but the suspect was able to escape. The suspect then crashed through the checkpoints, prompting Secret Service and police to open fire. Authorities say they were uncertain if the driver was targeting pedestrians or if the driver was in possession of a bomb.
“This is not a terrorist thing. This is obviously someone who was impaired somehow,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw during a press conference. Authorities added they were uncertain of the motive.
Police said a woman was also present in the car, but they believe she was picked up after the suspect fled the perimeter. Although no one was hurt, photographs of the vehicle show many bullet holes in its windshield.
Roemhild is a graduate from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut. She began a career in opera singing, performing in both Europe and the United States. Local reports show she had made repeated anti-Trump posts on social media.
Roemhild faces charges at the state and national level.
