Security Scare: Trump Motorcade Rerouted In Florida After “Suspicious Object” Discovery

PALM BEACH, FL – US President Donald Trump’s departure from Florida was marked by high-tension security maneuvers on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a “suspicious object” was discovered near his travel route. The discovery prompted the Secret Service to abruptly alter the presidential motorcade’s path to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), turning a standard 10-minute drive into a tactical, circular detour through the city.

1. The Discovery and Rerouting

The object was found during routine security sweeps conducted by the Secret Service ahead of the President’s arrival at the airport.

• The Statement: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the adjustment, stating, “A further investigation was warranted and the presidential motorcade route was adjusted accordingly.”
• The Detour: Trump left Mar-a-Lago around 6:20 p.m. ET. Instead of the direct route, the motorcade followed a circular path. During the transit, motorcycle officers created a “moving blockade,” leading to near-collisions with support vans as the convoy navigated the sudden changes.
• Presidential Response: When questioned by reporters about the package, Trump simply replied, “I know nothing about it.”

2. Air Force One: Departure Under Darkness

The security concerns extended to the tarmac, where standard operating procedures were significantly altered.

• Plane Positioning: Air Force One was parked on the opposite side of the airport from its usual location.
• Lights Out: In a rare move for a presidential departure, the lights outside the aircraft were turned off during boarding, likely as a counter-surveillance measure.
• Secret Service Protocol: Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi characterized the secondary route and aircraft positioning as “standard protocol” taken strictly as a precaution.

3. Context: Previous Security Incidents

The heightened vigilance comes as the Secret Service remains on high alert following multiple security breaches at Trump-related properties in recent years.

• The “Suspicious Stand” (Oct 2025): Just months ago, the FBI and Secret Service discovered a “suspicious hunting stand” in a tree line near PBI that had a direct line of sight to the runway.
• Golf Club Incident (Sept 2024): The West Palm Beach area was also the site of a thwarted assassination attempt against Trump while he was golfing in 2024.

4. Incident Timeline: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026