WASHINGTON (trfnews.i234.me) – President Joe Biden on Sunday appealed for national unity following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He announced an independent security review to understand how such an attack could occur. Biden delivered remarks from the White House after being briefed in the Situation Room, emphasizing the need for a thorough and swift review without jumping to conclusions about the shooter’s motives or affiliations.
Biden has directed the U.S. Secret Service to review security measures for the Republican National Convention starting Monday in Milwaukee. “An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation,” Biden said, calling for unity as the most critical goal.
The president and First Lady Jill Biden extended their prayers to the family of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who was killed during the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Biden also had a “short but good conversation” with Trump, expressing gratitude for his well-being and recovery. Trump, urging national resilience, posted “UNITE AMERICA!” on social media.
Amid a contentious presidential campaign, Biden’s team is adjusting its strategy following the attack, pausing all outbound communications and television ads. Planned campaign trips by Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been postponed.
Biden, who has previously labeled Trump a threat to democracy, has temporarily suspended such messaging. The assassination attempt has added to the recent turbulence in the campaign, which has seen Biden’s performance in a recent debate criticized and calls from within his party for him to exit the race. Biden aims to use his Sunday evening address to reinforce the call for unity and demonstrate leadership.
Some Biden critics highlighted his remarks in a private donor call about putting Trump “in the bullseye,” but a source clarified that Biden meant to focus public scrutiny on Trump’s light schedule.