- Joe Biden urges calm after Trump shooting
- He says US politics must never become a ‘killing field’
- “No matter how strong our convictions, we must never descend into violence”
- Biden went on to honour Corey Comperatore, a former firefighter who died protecting his family during the shooting
Joe Biden urges calm after Trump shooting
President Joe Biden condemned the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, stressing that US politics must never become a “killing field.” Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate, was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where one person was killed and two others were critically injured.
In a primetime address from the Oval Office, Biden urged Americans to de-escalate heated political rhetoric and avoid violence. He called on the public to resolve differences through voting, not violence, citing past incidents of political violence and the recent attack on Trump.
“No matter how strong our convictions, we must never descend into violence,” Biden said in remarks that lasted just under seven minutes.
The attacker, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by Secret Service agents. Explosive materials were found in his vehicle and home. Crooks, a registered Republican, had also donated to a liberal campaign group in 2021. The motive for the attack is still under investigation.
Biden honoured Corey Comperatore, a former firefighter who died protecting his family during the shooting. Despite criticism from Trump allies blaming Biden for inciting fear, Biden’s campaign has paused attack ads against Trump. Trump, who thanked his security detail, is set to accept the Republican nomination at the upcoming convention.
Donald Trump shooting video – the assassination attempt
A different angle from the shooting yesterday, at former President Donald Trumps rally in Pennsylvania.
— Emily (@emilyshar1) July 14, 2024
The individual who was killed, has been identified as Corey Comperatore. He was a fire chief, and got shot by the gunman while shielding his daughter and wife at the rally. pic.twitter.com/tqyvygo5zM