President Biden addressed the nation on Sunday, condemning the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a press conference and emphasizing the need for unity while cautioning against premature conclusions about the shooter’s motives.
During the briefing, Biden reiterated his stance from the previous night, declaring, “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence, or any violence for that matter.” He extended heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families affected by the tragedy, emphasizing that such acts are fundamentally contrary to American values. “An assassination attempt goes against everything we stand for as a nation — everything. It does not define who we are as a people, and we cannot tolerate it. Unity remains our paramount objective, more crucial now than ever before.”
Biden outlined the administration’s response to the incident, stating that he and Vice President Harris were briefed by top officials including the FBI Director, Attorney General, Secret Service Director, Homeland Security Advisor, and National Security Advisor. He assured that the FBI is leading a thorough and expedient investigation into the matter, urging the public not to speculate on the shooter’s motives but to allow the investigative process to unfold.
Acknowledging Trump’s status as a former president and the presumptive GOP nominee, Biden affirmed that heightened security measures were already in place. “I have consistently directed the Secret Service to provide Trump with the utmost protection and every necessary resource to ensure his ongoing safety,” he stated.
In response to the incident, Biden disclosed that he had instructed the head of the Secret Service to conduct a comprehensive review of all security protocols for the upcoming Republican National Convention. Additionally, an independent assessment of national security measures at Saturday’s rally will be conducted, with findings to be made public upon completion.
Later on Sunday evening, Biden planned to elaborate further on the administration’s response to the assassination attempt from the Oval Office, opting not to take questions during the initial briefing. Vice President Harris joined him in the briefing room to underscore the gravity of the situation.
Former President Trump encountered the assassination attempt on Saturday during a rally in Pennsylvania, prompting panic among attendees before he was safely escorted offstage by the Secret Service, sustaining minor injuries.
Trump’s campaign confirmed his well-being shortly after the incident, announcing his intention to deliver a speech at the upcoming Republican National Convention starting Monday in Wisconsin.
The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, as the individual involved in the assassination attempt, resulting in one fatality and critical injuries to two others. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Biden had previously condemned the shooting in a statement on Saturday, expressing solidarity with Trump and those present at the rally while awaiting further developments. He acknowledged the swift response of the Secret Service in ensuring Trump’s safety, emphasizing that such violence has no place in American society.
The president later confirmed he had attempted to contact Trump directly, remarking, “I hope I get to speak to him tonight.” The White House subsequently verified that Biden had a conversation with Trump on Saturday evening.
