Biden demands “everyone must condemn attack on Trump” and hopes to be able to speak to former president soon

REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware – President Joe Biden said Saturday that “everyone must condemn the alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump,” adding that he hopes to speak to his rival in the 2024 presidential election soon.

About two hours after the shooting, Biden addressed the nation and said he was relieved that Trump was reportedly “doing well.” He said he had not been able to reach Trump before his remarks and promised to update the public later Saturday on whether they speak, as well as more details on the investigation.

“We cannot allow this to happen,” Biden said. “The idea that there is this kind of violence in America is just outrageous.”

Biden, speaking without a teleprompter, said he was waiting for more information before officially calling the attack an attempted assassination of the former president.

“I have an opinion, but no facts,” he told reporters, promising to keep them updated as soon as he learned more.

The president delivered his remarks in the White House Emergency Briefing Room in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which is set up when the president travels so he can address the country at a moment’s notice. He spent the weekend at his beach house and was attending services at a nearby church when the shooting occurred.

Biden received an “initial briefing” from his staff after leaving the church minutes after the shooting. He then called together security officials for a more detailed update, delivered by U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall.

Following the shooting at Trump’s rally, the Biden team announced that it had suspended all messaging to its supporters and was working to pull all television ads as quickly as possible.

Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that she had also been informed, adding that she and her husband were “relieved” that Trump was not seriously injured.

“We pray for him, his family and all those injured or affected by this senseless shooting,” she said.