‘It’s time to calm things down’ as officials warn of election-year violence

Washington – President Joe Biden warned on Sunday of the risks of political violence in the United States following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying: “It is time to cool the situation.”

In a prime-time national address from the Oval Office, Biden said political passions may run high, but “we must never descend into violence.”

“There is no place for this kind of violence in America – for violence of any kind. Ever. Period. No exceptions. We cannot allow this violence to be normalized,” Biden said.

Biden gave a five-minute speech from the Oval Office. He pointed out that the Republican Party Convention would open in Milwaukee on Monday, while he himself would travel around the country to campaign for his re-election.

He said emotions were running high on both sides and that there was a lot at stake in the election.

“We can do this,” Biden pleaded, saying the nation was founded on a democracy that gives reason and balance a chance to prevail over brute force. “American democracy – where arguments are made in good faith. American democracy – where the rule of law is respected. Where decency, dignity and fair play are not just fancy words, but living realities.”