Biden: This type of violence is 'sick'
At a campaign rally for Trump, shots are fired. The presidential candidate is grazed by a bullet, the shooter is reportedly killed. According to a report, the incident is being classified as an attempted assassination.
US-President Joe Biden has condemned the attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. "There's no place for this kind of violence in America," Biden said in a written statement released by the White House. "We must come together as a nation to condemn it." He expressed relief that Trump was reportedly safe and in good condition. "I pray for him and his family, and for all those who attended the rally as we wait for more information."
Biden called this type of violence "sick," adding, "Everyone must condemn it." He had attempted to speak with Trump and hoped to do so again. When asked if it was an assassination attempt, Biden said he had no facts.
Biden is spending the weekend at his beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and had previously issued a written statement. Biden's campaign team also announced that they were halting their campaigning and attempting to pull corresponding TV ads as quickly as possible. Former President Barack Obama also wished Trump a quick recovery. "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy," Obama wrote on X.
Classified as an attempted assassination
The incident occurred as Trump was beginning his speech on the stage in the small town of Butler. Suddenly, apparent gunshots ring out - and Trump is seen with blood on his ear. Security personnel react immediately. The alleged shooter is reportedly dead, according to US media. The Associated Press and CNN reported the incident based on information from the local district attorney. A participant in the campaign rally is also reported to have been killed. Trump was taken into safety after the incident. A spokesperson said he was "doing well" and was being examined.
According to the Associated Press, the incident is being classified as an attempted assassination of the former president. A reporter for the agency announced ongoing investigations on the messaging app X.
Elon Musk publicly supports Trump
Shortly after the incident, US billionaire Elon Musk publicly announced his support for Trump's re-election bid. "I fully support President Trump and hope he recovers quickly," Musk wrote on X. The influential messaging app X was taken over by Musk in 2022. Musk also posted a video showing Trump being escorted off the stage in Pennsylvania with a defiant fist.
In one of the first international responses, a spokesperson for the new British government condemned all forms of political violence. "We send our best wishes to President Trump and his family in this difficult time," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock. "Sara and I were shocked by the obvious attack on President Trump," Netanyahu wrote on X late Saturday night with his wife. "We pray for his safety and quick recovery."
In response to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the violence, expressing his relief at Trump's safety, and calling for unity as a nation. Elon Musk, amidst this incident, publicly announced his support for Trump's re-election bid through a message on his messaging app.
