
president Joe Biden said on Saturday that “everyone must condemn” the alleged attempted murder to the previous president Donald Trumpand added that he hoped to talk to his rival within the 2024 presidential election soon.
About two hours after the shooting, Biden addressed the nation and said he was relieved that Trump was reportedly “doing well.” He said he had not been capable of reach Trump before his remarks and promised to update the general public later Saturday on whether or not they speak, in addition to more details on the investigation.
“We cannot allow this to happen,” Biden said. “The idea that there is this kind of violence in America is just outrageous.”
Biden, speaking with no teleprompter, said he was waiting for more information before officially calling the attack an attempted assassination of the previous president.
“I have an opinion, but no facts,” he told reporters, promising to maintain them updated as soon as he learned more.
The president delivered his remarks within the White House Emergency Briefing Room in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which is ready up when the president travels so he can address the country at a moment’s notice. He spent the weekend at his beach house and was attending services at a close-by church when the shooting occurred.
Biden received an “initial briefing” from his staff after leaving the church minutes after the shooting. He then called together security officials for a more detailed update, delivered by U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall.
Following the shooting at Trump’s rally, the Biden team announced that it had suspended all messaging to its supporters and was working to drag all television ads as quickly as possible.
Vice President Kamala Harris said in a press release that she had also been informed, adding that she and her husband were “relieved” that Trump was not seriously injured.
“We pray for him, his family and all those injured or affected by this senseless shooting,” she said.
