President Biden on Tuesday called on Americans to reject all forms of political violence following the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
Speaking at the NAACP’s 115th National Convention in Las Vegas, Biden said he was “grateful” that Trump was not seriously injured and that he continues to pray for him and his family.
But, he added, all political violence must be condemned, not just some.
“If you’re going to talk about taking a stand against violence, you have to take a stand against all violence,” Biden said. “The violence perpetrated against George Floyd in Minnesota; against black veterans like police officer Eugene Goodman on January 6; Black poll workers like Ruby Freeman. You must oppose the violence and intimidation of white supremacists who murder innocent lives in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.”
Condemning political violence, Biden added, includes speaking out against shootings like the Sandy Hook and Uvalde school shootings and concert shootings like the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.
“If you’re going to be outspoken about one, don’t be silent about the others,” Biden said.
Trump was injured during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night when a gunman opened fire. Authorities have since said the shooting was an attempted murder. Although Trump suffered non-life-threatening injuries, one attendee was killed and two others were seriously injured. The shooter was also killed.
In his comments on Tuesday, Biden also called for gun reform, pointing out that the weapon used in the attempt was an AR-style weapon.
“If you want to oppose violence in America, join me in taking these weapons of war off the streets of America,” Biden said.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
