Biden Demands Probe into Trump Assassination Attempt

On Sunday, President Joe Biden addressed the nation regarding the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, revealing that there is currently “no information” on the motive behind the shooting. Biden called for enhanced security measures for Trump and the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC). He also announced an independent review of the incident, aiming to understand how a lone gunman was able to fire shots at a presidential candidate and to release the findings to the public.

Biden mentioned having a brief conversation with Trump on Saturday night, emphasizing the importance of continued protection. He has instructed the Secret Service to ensure Trump’s safety with all necessary resources and capabilities. Additionally, Biden ordered the agency to reassess and review all security protocols for the RNC to prevent any similar incidents. He urged the public to unite as one nation and refrain from making assumptions about the shooter’s motives or affiliations, stressing the need for solidarity and caution in these divisive times.

In response to the attempted assassination, Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) announced plans to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at providing enhanced Secret Service protection for Trump, Biden, and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. throughout this election cycle. This legislative move underscores the heightened security concerns following the attack and the need for additional protective measures for key political figures.

Former First Lady Melania Trump, who has been notably absent from her husband’s campaign events since he launched his presidential bid in November 2022, released a lengthy statement on Sunday. She called for Americans to “reunite” and bridge the political divides that have characterized this election cycle. Melania urged the country to look beyond political affiliations and remember the shared goal of striving for a better life, highlighting the importance of unity and compassion.

Following the attack, the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, announced its closure for the day. This decision came after Trump and his team flew to New Jersey from Butler, Pennsylvania, where the shooting occurred. The club’s closure reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened security around Trump.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) spoke to NBC News on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of treating one another with dignity and respect. While acknowledging the significance of Biden’s recent campaign rhetoric, Johnson clarified that he did not believe Biden intended for such violence to occur. He stressed that language on both sides should be carefully considered to avoid inciting violence.

Biden announced he would address the nation again from the Oval Office at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday to provide further updates on the situation. The shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. during a campaign rally, where Trump was shot in the ear. Video footage shows Trump ducking behind a podium before being quickly surrounded and ushered offstage by Secret Service agents, with blood visible on the right side of his face. One rally attendee was killed, and two others were seriously injured in the incident.

The victim killed in the rally shooting was identified as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a father, husband, and former volunteer fire chief. Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, posted on Facebook that her father shielded her from the bullet that ultimately took his life, highlighting his bravery and sacrifice. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire on Trump. Crooks, a recent high school graduate, had not voted in a presidential election and his motives remain unclear.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump took to Truth Social to thank law enforcement for their rapid response and to express condolences to the family of the rally victim. He also posted on Sunday morning, urging his supporters to remain united and confirming his plans to speak in Wisconsin later in the week, where he is expected to formally accept the Republican nomination for president at the RNC.

The attack on Trump has led to a renewed focus on the importance of Secret Service protection for major political figures. Since the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, candidates and their spouses have been afforded such protection. Currently, Biden is protected as the sitting president, and Trump receives protection both as a former president and a major candidate. However, Robert Kennedy Jr., despite being a significant political figure, has not been granted Secret Service protection following a denied request last year.

In response to the shooting, several prominent Republicans have blamed the incident on Democrats and the mainstream media. President Biden condemned all acts of political violence as “sick” and expressed gratitude that Trump was safe. Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) tweeted accusations that Biden ordered the attack on Trump, calling for charges to be filed against him. Potential Trump vice presidential pick Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) both placed blame on the Biden campaign and its rhetoric, which they argue portrays Trump as a fascist threat to democracy. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) also condemned the left and the media, holding them responsible for inciting violence through their inflammatory language.