President Joe Biden addressed the nation twice within 24 hours following the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for unity and cautioning against jumping to conclusions about the suspect.
On Sunday afternoon, Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and HHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, condemned the attack, describing it as “contrary to everything we stand for as a nation.” He assured the public that he has authorized all necessary resources and security measures to protect Trump, who is entitled to heightened security as a former president and the presumptive Republican nominee for 2024.
Calling for unity, Biden said, “Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.” He stressed the importance of maintaining a united front despite political disagreements, reminding Americans of their shared values.
Biden revealed he had a “short but good” conversation with Trump after the incident, extending his prayers to Trump, his family, the injured, and the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed while protecting his loved ones. “He was protecting his family from the bullets being fired,” Biden said of Comperatore. “He lost his life. God love him.”
Addressing concerns about security, Biden reiterated his commitment to ensuring Trump’s safety and highlighted ongoing preparations for the Republican National Convention. He acknowledged the criticisms regarding the Secret Service’s preparedness and pledged full support for their efforts.
Biden cautioned the public against making assumptions about the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks. “Please, don’t make assumptions about his motive or affiliations. Let the FBI and their partner agencies do their job,” he urged.
The president’s brief remarks, lasting just over three minutes, did not include a Q&A session. He promised further comments from the Oval Office later in the evening.
As the FBI continues its investigation, Biden’s call for unity and careful consideration of the facts aims to foster a sense of stability and solidarity in the face of political violence. The administration’s focus remains on safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring the safety of all political figures.
