PRESIDENT Joe Biden called on the country to unite a day after former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.
On Saturday night, the former president suffered an ear injury after gunfire broke out at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where one person died and two others were seriously injured.
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Biden addressed the nation in brief remarks Sunday and said he spoke with Trump hours after the shooting.
“Jill and I keep him and his family in our prayers,” Biden said in the Roosevelt Room.
The president paid tribute to Corey Compatore, former Buffalo Township fire chief, who was identified as the victim who died while shielding his daughter from bullets.
“We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed,” Biden said.
Read more about Donald Trump
“He was a father, protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired. He lost his life. God love him,” he continued, adding that he is praying for the full recovery of the other two injured.
The president also appealed to the American people for unity, saying that there is no place for such violence in the country.
“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation, everything,” Biden said.
“It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not American and we can’t allow that to happen.
“Unity is the most difficult goal of all, but nothing is important beyond that right now.
“We will debate and disagree, that won’t change. But let’s not lose sight of who we are as Americans.”
Trump repeated the call for unity at the same time Biden made his comments.
The former president turned to his social media platform Truth Social, writing“UNITE AMERICA!”
During his speech, Biden announced three actions his administration is taking in the wake of the shooting.
First, Biden said he directed the Secret Service to provide Trump with “all resource capabilities and protective measures necessary to ensure his continued security.”
Second, Biden said he has instructed the head of the Secret Service to review all security measures related to the Republican National Convention, set to begin on Monday.
The president also revealed that he directed an “independent review” of national security at Saturday’s rally “to assess exactly what happened.”
Biden said the results of the review will be made public.
What we know about the Trump rally shooter
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, has been identified as the gunman who opened fire during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, killing one person and wounding three others, including the former president.
- Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022
- He received a $500 “star award” from the National Mathematics and Science Initiative at his graduation.
- His colleagues have claimed he was bullied at school and often wore “hunting” clothes to class
- Others revealed that he never “spoke openly” about political views at school
- Some classmates said Crooks had a few friends, but not a large group of friends.
- He is registered as a Republican in Pennsylvania and last voted in November 2022, during the fall semester.
- In January 2021, Crooks made a $15 donation to the Democratic action group ActBlue.
- He was reportedly seen acting “suspicious” before the murder.
- The gun used in the shooting was purchased legally by his father at least six months ago.
- Explosives and bomb-making materials were found in his home and car parked near the Trump rally
- Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers on a nearby rooftop shortly after opening fire at the rally.
- The photos appear to show Crooks wearing gray camouflage clothing at the time of the shooting.
“We must come together as a nation,” Biden said again.
During the brief remarks, Biden also noted that no motive has been released for the shooting.
He urged the American people not to speculate about possible motives or affiliations the shooter may have had.
Instead, he urged everyone to let the FBI and related agencies “do their job” to ensure a speedy investigation.
SHOCKING SHOT
Just minutes after the former president took the stage on Saturday night, gunshots rang out and Trump was seen grimacing and holding his ear before falling to the ground for cover.
Trump later revealed in a post on Truth Social that he was hit in the ear by a bullet.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was “neutralized” by Secret Service snipers moments after the shooting began.
Crooks was perched on an adjacent rooftop near the rally, about 200 feet from the Republican crowd.
Just minutes after Trump took the stage, shocking video showed about five shots being fired at the outdoor rally.
Dramatic footage showed members of the Secret Service quickly taking the stage to create a human shield around Trump.
After a few moments, the former president was seen standing up and raising his fist.
Blood was seen running down his face as he uttered the word “fight” several times before being escorted off the stage.
Donald Trump rally filming schedule
Donald Trump was shot at his rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.
1 p.m.: Doors open on the grounds of the Butler Farm Show, where Trump was scheduled to speak at 5 p.m.
4:11 pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30 p.m.: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03 pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11 p.m.: Shots were fired as Trump made remarks.
6:12 p.m.: Trump was led off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42 pm: The Secret Service confirmed that Trump is safe.
7:24 p.m.: The shooter and a rally attendee are confirmed dead by police.
8:42 pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49 p.m.: The Secret Service confirms that the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain seriously injured.
On Sunday, law enforcement agencies briefed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the incident in the White House situation room.
Biden was scheduled to travel to Austin, Texas, on Monday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
The White House announced on Sunday that it would reschedule the trip following the assassination attempt on Trump.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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