U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief following a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, underscoring their commitment to rejecting political violence in the country.
Biden praised the Secret Service for their vigilance in ensuring Trump's safety. He confirmed that a suspect is in custody and that a thorough investigation is in progress.
"I have been briefed on the federal law enforcement investigation into what appears to be an assassination attempt on former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe," Biden said on X.
He added that he has instructed his team to provide the Secret Service with all necessary resources and protective measures to ensure Trump's continued safety.
"I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is an active investigation as law enforcement gathers more details. As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or any violence in our country, and I have directed my team to ensure that the Secret Service has all the resources necessary to maintain the former President's safety," Biden noted.
Vice President Harris also commented on the incident, expressing relief that Trump is safe. "I have been briefed on reports of gunshots near former President Trump’s property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe," Harris wrote on X. "Violence has no place in America."
Reports indicate that a Secret Service agent engaged with the suspect after spotting a rifle barrel. The individual, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested approximately 300-500 yards from Trump. The FBI is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination.
Trump reassured his supporters through a message, stating, "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL! Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!"
This incident marks the second assassination attempt on Trump during this presidential campaign. On July 13, Trump was grazed by a bullet at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
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Donald Trump Survives Second Assassination Attempt in Florida, Suspect Arrested