Biden Emphasizes Unity, Urges Against Making Assumptions About Trump Shooter’s Motive

Condemning the Violence

President Biden addressed the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in an interview Sunday afternoon. He stated that he would further detail the White House’s response to the attack from the Oval Office later that evening.

“As I said last night, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence, or any violence for that matter,” Biden said. He extended his deepest condolences and prayers to the family of the deceased and those injured. “An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation—everything. It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen. Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.”

The White House’s Response

Biden outlined the White House’s response to the attack, mentioning that he and Vice President Harris were briefed on the situation by the FBI director, the attorney general, the director of the Secret Service, Biden’s Homeland Security advisor, and his National Security advisor.

“The FBI is leading this investigation, which is still in its early stages. We don’t yet have any information about the motive of the shooter. We know who he is, but I urge everyone, please don’t make assumptions about his motives or his affiliations. Let the FBI do their job. I’ve instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift, and the investigators will have every resource they need to get this done.”

Security Measures for Trump

Biden also noted that Trump, as a former president and the likely GOP candidate, already receives high levels of security. The President added that he has been “consistent in my direction of the Secret Service to provide [Trump] with every resource capability and protective measure necessary to ensure his continued safety.”

Reviewing Security at the Republican National Convention

The President also mentioned that he “directed the head of the Secret Service to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention” and that there would be an “independent review of national security at yesterday’s rally to assess exactly what happened,” the results of which will be shared with the public when complete.

Biden stated he would address the situation in more detail later Sunday from the Oval Office and did not take any further questions. Vice President Harris appeared alongside the President in the briefing room.

The Incident

Former President Trump was the target of an assassination attempt Sunday at a rally in Pennsylvania when the sound of gunfire sent the crowd into panic, and a bloodied Trump was ushered offstage by Secret Service.

Trump’s campaign said after the event he was doing “fine,” and the likely GOP candidate later announced he would speak at the Republican National Convention, which begins in Wisconsin on Monday.

Early Sunday, the FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, as the suspect involved in the assassination attempt. One attendee was killed, and two spectators were critically injured. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Biden’s Condemnation and Call for Unity

Biden condemned the fatal shooting at Trump’s campaign rally on Sunday, issuing a statement that he had been briefed on the incident and that “I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.”

“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety,” he continued. “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

The President later said in a televised news briefing Sunday night that he had tried to contact Trump, adding, “I hope I get to speak to him tonight.” The White House later confirmed that Biden spoke to Trump Sunday evening.

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