President Biden has strongly condemned the shooting incident that took place at former President Donald J. Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. In a nationally televised statement, President Biden expressed his gratitude that Mr. Trump survived the incident and was safely evacuated.
Describing the violence as “sick” and unacceptable in America, President Biden emphasized the need to unite the country and not tolerate such acts of violence. He mentioned his attempt to reach out to Mr. Trump but was unable to speak with him as the former president was with his doctors. President Biden expressed hope for a conversation with Mr. Trump later that evening, noting that the former president was reportedly doing well.
When asked if he would characterize the incident as an assassination attempt, President Biden stated that he would wait for more facts to come in before forming an opinion. He reiterated that political violence in America was unheard of and inappropriate, calling for condemnation from all sides.
The President was at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Del., when the shooting occurred. Following an initial written statement, he traveled to a local police department building to address the matter on camera. White House officials briefed President Biden on the incident, and his campaign paused all outbound communications as a mark of respect for the seriousness of the situation.
Various senior Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, issued statements in response to the incident. Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement following President Biden’s remarks.
Criticism from Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee for the White House’s delayed response was noted, prompting calls from Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz for President Biden to deliver an address from the Oval Office to address the situation and emphasize unity among Americans. The need to “lower the temperature” and remember that “we are all Americans” was highlighted in these calls for national unity.
