Biden says ‘we must unite’ as he pays tribute to rally victim and launches review of national security for Trump
PRESIDENT Joe Biden has called on the country to unite together one day after former president Donald Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.
On Saturday evening, the former president sustained an injury to his ear after gunfire broke out at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where one person died and two others were critically injured.
Biden addressed the nation in brief remarks on Sunday and said that he spoke with Trump in the hours after the shooting.
“Jill and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers,” Biden said from the Roosevelt Room.
The president paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief for Buffalo Township, who was identified as the victim who died while protecting his daughter from bullets.
“We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed,” Biden said.
“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 two others injured.
The president went on to call on the American people to unite, saying 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 cannot allow this to happen.
“Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is important than that right now.
“We will debate and will disagree, that’s not going to change. But we’re not going to lose sight in fact who we are as Americans.”
Trump echoed the call for unity around the same time that Biden made his remarks.
The former president turned to his social media platform Truth Social, writing, “UNITE AMERICA!”
During his address, Biden went on to announce three actions his administration is taking in the aftermath of the shooting.
Firstly, Biden said he has directed the Secret Service to provide Trump with “every resource capability and protective measure necessary to ensure his continued safety.”
Secondly, Biden said he has directed 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 has directed an “independent review” into the national security at the Saturday 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, was identified as the gunman who opened fire during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others including the former president.
- Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022
- He received a “star award” of $500 from the National Math and Science Initiative at his graduation
- Classmates of his have claimed he was bullied in school and often wore “hunting” clothing to class
- Others revealed that he never “outwardly spoke” about political views in school
- Some classmates said Crooks had a few friends, but not a large friend group
- He was registered as Republican in Pennsylvania and last voted in November 2022 during the midterms.
- In January 2021, Crooks made a $15 donation to Democratic action group ActBlue.
- He was reportedly seen acting “suspiciously” before the assassination.
- The gun used in the shooting was legally purchased 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 roof shortly after he opened fire at the rally
- Photos appear to show Crooks wearing gray camouflaged clothing at the time of the shooting
“We must unite as one nation,” Biden again said.
During the brief remarks, Biden also noted that no motive has been released behind the shooting.
He urged the American people not to speculate about possible motives or affiliations the shooter might have had.
Instead, he called for everyone to let the FBI and related agencies “do their job” to ensure a swift investigation.
SHOCKING SHOOTING
Just minutes after the former president took the stage Saturday evening, gunfire erupted and Trump was seen grimacing and holding his ear before he dropped to the floor for cover.
Trump later revealed in a post to Truth Social that he was struck in the ear by a bullet.
The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was “neutralized” by Secret Service snipers just moments after the shooting began.
Crooks was perched on an adjacent rooftop near the rally around 200 feet from the Republican crowd.
Just minutes after Trump took the stage, a shocking video showed around five gunshots being fired into the open-air rally.
Dramatic images showed members of the Secret Service swiftly rushing 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 dripping down his face as he mouthed the word “fight” several times before being escorted off the stage.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
On Sunday, law enforcement agencies briefed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the incident from the White House situation room.
Biden had been 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 be rescheduling the trip in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Trump.