In response to Saturday’s shooting incident at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have issued strong condemnations of the violence and expressed relief that Trump escaped serious harm.
The incident, which occurred early in Trump’s speech, prompted swift action from Secret Service agents who escorted him to safety amid reports of gunshots. Social media videos circulated showing Trump with apparent signs of injury, including blood on his face and a bleeding ear.
President Biden, briefed on the situation, conveyed his gratitude for Trump’s safety and extended prayers to Trump and his family, as well as to all rally attendees. In a statement posted on the White House website, Biden emphasized, “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
Vice President Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, expressing relief that Trump was not seriously injured and sending prayers to those affected by the shooting. She emphasized, “Violence such as this has no place in our nation.”
Both Biden and Harris praised the quick response of the Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities in managing the situation and ensuring Trump’s safety. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed Trump’s safety and announced an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Reports from Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger indicated that two individuals, including one of the suspected shooters, were confirmed deceased following the shooting.
The statements from Biden and Harris underscore a unified stance against violence and a call for national unity in the face of such incidents.
For more details, you can read President Biden’s full statement here and Vice President Harris’s statement here.
