In West Palm Beach, Florida, federal authorities are investigating a homemade tree stand discovered facing the runway where former President Donald Trump’s plane lands.
The platform was found about 12 feet high in an oak tree between Southern Boulevard and the West Palm Beach Canal — an area adjacent to the path used by Air Force One and Trump’s private aircraft.
The FBI has taken the structure as evidence, which included a small sitting platform and securing straps. Investigators are now analyzing it for fingerprints, DNA, and other forensic materials to determine who built it and why it was there.
Iguana Hunter Recognizes the Structure
Professional iguana hunter Mike Kimmel, known as the Python Cowboy, told WPBF 25 Investigative Reporter Terri Parker that he and his team first spotted the structure nearly two years ago.
“We’ve been noticing it for about two years now,” Kimmel said. “Last November, when the leaves were all dried up, you could really notice it. We were surprised that when we saw the newest news article about it, that they didn’t notice it before.”
According to Kimmel, he has never seen anyone using the stand and doubts it was meant for hunting iguanas. He suggested it might have been used for taking photographs rather than for any hunting purpose.
Suspicious Location Raises Concerns
Kimmel noted that the location of the stand made little sense for legitimate hunting activity. The stand had a direct view of the runway where Trump’s aircraft lands and parks.
“It’s in kind of a suspicious spot,” Kimmel said. “It’s right in the very first bit of trees where you could conceal yourself — and you’d be able to see Donald Trump’s plane. His plane’s parked right there.”
Another local hunter, who owns a hunting club, told WPBF 25 that there’s no reason for a hunting stand in that area since there are no deer or wild boar nearby. He mentioned that while iguanas are present in the area, the stand’s positioning didn’t align with typical hunting practices.
Investigation and Security Questions
The discovery has prompted questions about how the structure went unnoticed for so long, especially given its proximity to an area under Secret Service protection. Authorities have not provided an explanation as to why the stand was not identified earlier if it had indeed been there for years.
The FBI continues to analyze the collected evidence to determine the purpose of the platform and whether any surveillance or illegal activity was conducted from the site.
Ongoing Analysis and Public Safety
As the investigation progresses, officials are working to determine whether the tree stand poses any security implications. For now, authorities have not indicated any immediate threat to public safety.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance around sensitive areas, especially those connected to high-profile individuals. The FBI and local law enforcement continue to collaborate on the case, reviewing possible motives and any connections to previous security concerns in the region.
FAQs
Where was the tree stand found in West Palm Beach?
The homemade tree stand was discovered in an oak tree about 12 feet high, located between Southern Boulevard and the West Palm Beach Canal. The position gave it a direct view of the runway where Donald Trump’s plane lands and parks.
Who first noticed the tree stand near the runway?
Professional iguana hunter Mike Kimmel, known as the Python Cowboy, said he and his team first spotted the stand back in 2023. He noted that it has likely been there for about two years before it gained media attention.
What is the FBI investigating about the tree stand?
The FBI has collected the stand as evidence and is analyzing it for fingerprints, DNA, and other forensic clues. Investigators are trying to determine who built it, why it was placed there, and whether it had any connection to surveillance or other suspicious activity.
Was the tree stand used for hunting iguanas?
Experts, including Kimmel, said the stand’s location does not make sense for iguana hunting. The area is near the airport and lacks suitable wildlife, leading to speculation that it may have been used for observation or photography instead.
Why is the tree stand considered suspicious?
The stand was positioned in a location that provided a concealed but clear view of Trump’s plane. Local hunters confirmed that there are no deer or wild boar in that area, making its presence unusual and potentially concerning.
What are investigators doing now?
The FBI continues to analyze the materials and gather forensic evidence. They are also reviewing how the structure went unnoticed for so long and assessing whether there are any broader security concerns linked to the site.
