In response to the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, President Joe Biden addressed the nation twice within 24 hours, calling for unity and cautioning against assumptions about the suspect’s motives.
At a press conference on Sunday afternoon, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and HHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden condemned the attack, stating, “The assassination attempt against Trump is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation — everything.” He reiterated his commitment to providing all necessary resources to ensure Trump’s safety, acknowledging the heightened security measures already in place for the former president and presumptive Republican nominee.
Biden emphasized the importance of unity, calling it “the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.” He highlighted that while debates and disagreements are inevitable, Americans must remember their shared identity.
Biden revealed he spoke with Trump shortly after the shooting, describing their conversation as “short but good.” He extended his prayers and well-wishes to Trump, his family, the injured, and the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed while protecting his family from the bullets.
“He was protecting his family from the bullets being fired,” Biden said of Comperatore. “He lost his life. God love him.”
In light of criticisms regarding recent efforts by high-ranking congressional Democrats to strip Trump of his Secret Service protections, Biden reiterated his authorization of every necessary protective measure for Trump. He also mentioned being kept informed of security preparations for the upcoming Republican National Convention.
Biden urged the public not to make assumptions about the motives or affiliations of the shooter, identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks. “I urge everyone: Please, don’t make assumptions about his motive or affiliations. Let the FBI and their partner agencies do their job,” Biden said.
Biden’s speech lasted just over three minutes, during which he did not take any questions. He indicated that he would make further remarks from the Oval Office later that evening.
As the nation grapples with the implications of the assassination attempt, Biden’s calls for unity and caution reflect the administration’s focus on maintaining security and addressing the broader political climate. The investigation into the attack continues, with authorities working to uncover Crooks’ motives and affiliations.
The entire speech, emphasizing the need for unity and careful investigation, can be viewed in the video below, with Biden’s remarks starting around the 4:35 mark.
