Last month, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the Secret Service found a “suspicious” hunting stand near Palm Beach International Airport. This stand has a clear view of where former President Donald Trump exits Air Force One.
Patel mentioned that the FBI is leading the investigation, employing resources to gather evidence from the site. However, Mike Kimmel, a Florida reptile hunter known as the “Python Cowboy,” believes the hunt for clues might be misplaced. Kimmel, who runs Martin County Trapping and Wildlife Rescue, argues that the stand has been there for years without raising eyebrows.
“I remember seeing it during Biden’s presidency,” Kimmel said. “It looked old and was in poor condition. There was nothing suspicious about it.”
Kimmel has been a professional trapper for over a decade. He hunts invasive species, including Burmese pythons and feral hogs, with his dogs. He knows the area surrounding the airport well, often finding iguanas, not threats.
When asked about the tree stand, Kimmel stated, “I think the FBI is wasting their time.” He pointed out that there are much more pressing issues in the area. “I’ve found a dead body there. The tree stand is just a minor detail.”
The stand gained attention after a series of dangerous incidents involving Trump, including an assassination attempt in July 2024. Following that event, Secret Service agents advised Kimmel and his team to avoid hunting in the vicinity for safety reasons.
Interestingly, Kimmel’s hunting guide, Joseph “JR” Entry, also recalls first spotting the stand and finds the recent attention a bit ridiculous. “It’s a big stink about nothing,” he said.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and forensic evidence from the stand is being analyzed, but no suspects have been identified yet. Kimmel thinks that even the most advanced forensic science might not yield significant results due to time and weather exposure.
Kimmel’s adventures in hunting pythons have made him a local celebrity, especially with his viral videos. He once made headlines by hunting with a blind dog, showcasing both skill and perseverance.
Despite the drama surrounding the hunting stand, Kimmel understands the Secret Service’s concerns given Trump’s history with threats. Yet, he remains confident that authorities could quickly determine the stand poses no threat.
For further insight into wildlife management and public safety, you can check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website here.
In a world that often seems chaotic, Kimmel’s laid-back attitude highlights how quickly fear can spiral out of control. Sometimes, what seems suspicious may just be another facet of everyday life.
