In a startling development, a Chinese national named Zijie Li has been arrested after making multiple attempts to breach the security of President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Li, a 38-year-old from El Monte, California, claimed he possessed documents linking his home country’s government to an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
According to Fox News, the incident unfolded when Li first attempted to enter Mar-a-Lago on July 19. Driving a gray Toyota Prius, Li arrived at the estate’s main entrance, asserting that he had critical documents proving China’s involvement in the assassination plot. Notably, Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time, as he was attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Secret Service agents warned Li that he was trespassing and issued a written warning instructing him to stay away from the property.
Despite this warning, Li continued his attempts to gain access to Mar-a-Lago. On July 22, security cameras captured him driving over the Royal Park Bridge several times. His persistence culminated on July 30 when he was seen driving towards the estate’s security checkpoint and blocking a lane of traffic, with Mar-a-Lago’s address displayed on his GPS. After being warned once more, Li returned less than an hour later, prompting Palm Beach Police and Secret Service agents to arrest him at an intersection north of the estate.
The gravity of Li’s claims is underscored by the details of the assassination attempt he referenced. During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, alleged shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, managed to graze Trump’s ear with a bullet and injure three supporters. Tragically, former Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore was killed in the attack. The incident led to heightened security measures around Trump’s properties, including the closure of South Ocean Boulevard adjacent to Mar-a-Lago.
Li’s arrest marks the second instance of a Chinese citizen attempting to infiltrate Mar-a-Lago. In 2019, another Chinese national was apprehended after lying to gain entry to the club, claiming she wanted to discuss economic relations between China and the United States with Trump.
Court records indicate that Li used a Mandarin translator during his proceedings. A judge has issued a no-contact order, preventing Li from contacting Trump, anyone associated with him or his campaign, and prohibiting Li from approaching Mar-a-Lago. Li’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, August 5.
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