WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Sunday called for an independent review of the security was handled at Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally following an assassination attempt against the former president.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden once again called for unity and said he would address the nation from the Oval Office later in the evening.
“Last night I spoke with Donald Trump. I am sincerely grateful that he’s doing well, and recovering. We had a short but good conversation. Jill and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers,” he said.
“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as — as a nation, everything. It’s not who we are as a nation. It’s not American. And we cannot allow this to happen,” Biden continued.
The President issued a warning against speculation about the shooter’s motive, saying the facts are being gathered.
Biden’s remarks came after he returned to the White House early Sunday morning and was briefed by his homeland security team that included Attorney General Merrick Garland. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI director Christopher Wray, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle.
The President said must navigate this moment carefully — both as the Commander in Chief but also as Trump’s political opponent.
“Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is important than that right now, unity. We’ll debate and we’ll disagree, it’s not– that’s not going to change. But it’s going to — we’re going to not lose sight of the fact who we are as Americans,” Biden said.
