According to an internal affairs investigation, two Florida sheriff’s deputies have been found justified in firing shots at a Connecticut opera singer during a security incident outside former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in 2020. The deputies, Palm Beach County Detective Christopher Farron and Lt. John Paul Harvey followed agency firearms policy when they and a Secret Service agent shot at Hannah Roemhild, who was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
The report stated that the deputies were “exonerated” and faced no disciplinary action. Roemhild, who was charged with various offenses, including aggravated assault and fleeing arrest, was deemed not guilty by reason of insanity in a plea agreement reached two years ago.
The incident occurred on January 31, 2020, when Roemhild drove her rented Jeep through a checkpoint outside Mar-a-Lago. The deputies’ bullets shattered the Jeep’s windows, but Roemhild was unharmed. This was one of several security breaches that took place at Mar-a-Lago during Trump’s presidency. Roemhild was arrested later when she tried to run from officers at a nearby motel, claiming she was escaping people trying to kill her.
Roemhild’s attorney, David Roth, stated that she has made significant progress and has moved forward from the incident. Roth emphasized that Roemhild harbors no ill will towards law enforcement agencies involved in her arrest. The report did not reveal the name of the Secret Service agent who fired shots at Roemhild.
Mar-a-Lago experienced four other security breaches during Trump’s tenure as president. In August 2020, three teenagers were arrested after jumping over a wall while carrying a semiautomatic gun. In March 2019, a Chinese national gained access to Mar-a-Lago while carrying electronic equipment, leading to trespassing charges. In December 2019, another Chinese national was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest after taking photos at the club. In November 2018, a university student was arrested for entering Mar-a-Lago without permission.
The internal affairs investigation determined that the actions of the two sheriff’s deputies were in line with agency policy and justified in response to the security breach at Mar-a-Lago. Roemhild, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity, has since agreed to undergo psychiatric counseling and medication. The report concludes that Roemhild does not pose a substantial risk of harm to herself or others.