Context:

The discovery of a suspicious hunting stand near Palm Beach International Airport, which has a direct line of sight to where President Trump exits Air Force One, has prompted an investigation by the FBI. Florida reptile hunter Mike Kimmel, known as the 'Python Cowboy,' asserts that the stand has been present for years and poses no threat, suggesting it may have been used by birders or photographers rather than for nefarious purposes. Kimmel, who has experience in the area, believes the FBI is misdirected in their investigation and indicates that environmental exposure likely erased any forensic evidence. With no suspects identified yet, Kimmel urges authorities to reassess the situation and focus on more significant local issues. The FBI continues to analyze evidence from the stand as part of their ongoing inquiry.

Dive Deeper:

• The hunting stand was identified by the Secret Service last month and has since become a focal point for FBI investigations, which includes deploying resources to collect evidence.

• Kimmel first observed the tree stand a couple of years ago, during Biden's presidency, and described it as old and in poor condition, never associating it with a threat to Trump.

• In July 2024, an assassination attempt was made on Trump, leading to increased security measures and inquiries about potential threats in the area.

• Kimmel operates a wildlife rescue business and has gained notoriety for his daring captures of invasive species, including large pythons, which he often documents on social media.

• The FBI has yet to link the stand to any individuals, as their forensic analysis is ongoing at their lab in Quantico, Virginia.

• Kimmel suggested that environmental factors would have eliminated any trace evidence from the stand, making it challenging to obtain useful forensic clues.

• In addition to the hunting stand, Kimmel noted other local concerns, including homelessness and environmental hazards, which he believes warrant more attention than the stand itself.