Biden speaks with Trump after assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally
WASHINGTON — President Biden spoke with former President Donald Trump on Saturday night after the ex-president survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.
Biden, 81, said earlier Saturday that he tried to call the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate while he was being treated at a Pittsburgh-area hospital.
“This evening, President Biden spoke to former President Trump,” a White House official said. “The President also spoke to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy.”
The call happened shortly before Biden cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach home to return to the White House.
It’s unclear if Biden spoke with Trump while he was being treated for a graze wound to his right ear, or after he was discharged from the hospital.
Here’s the latest on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump:
Would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks visited gun range dozens of times — including Christmas — for ‘intense preparation’- Newly surfaced texts show Trump rally gunman was on authorities’ radar more than 90 minutes before shooting: report
- FBI to conduct victim interview with Donald Trump after assassination attempt
- Ex-Trump doc says FBI’s Wray is ‘wrong’ to doubt ex-prez was struck by bullet: ‘Absolutely no evidence’
- Trump defends female Secret Service agent who was criticized after assassination attempt: ‘So brave’
Trump allies have slammed Biden’s campaign-trail rhetoric in the aftermath of the shooting, including Biden frequently saying Trump would be a “dictator” and telling donors last Monday that he wanted to put a “bullseye” on Trump.
Biden struck a conciliatory tone in hastily scheduled remarks at the Rehoboth Beach, Del., police department Saturday evening.
“I have tried to get ahold of Donald. He’s with his doctors. Apparently he’s doing well. I plan on talking to him shortly, I hope, when I get back to the telephone,” Biden said.