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Joe Biden Breaks Silence On Donald Trump Rally Shooting, Calls For America To Unite As 'One Nation'
By Favour Adegoke on July 13, 2024 at 8:22 PM EDT
Updated on July 14, 2024 at 8:22 AM EDT
President Joe Biden has finally released a statement regarding the shooting incident at former President Donald Trump's rally.
Biden said he had just been "briefed" on what happened and that he and his wife, Jill Biden, are praying for Trump and his supporters who were at the rally.
The shocking shooting incident at Donald Trump's rally claimed the lives of two individuals, one reportedly being the shooter and the other an attendee.
Joe Biden Speaks Out On The Shooting Incident At Donald Trump's Rally
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Biden shared a statement on the incident on X, noting that America needs to come together to condemn what transpired at the rally.
He wrote, "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. I'm grateful to hear that he's safe and doing well. I'm praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information."
Biden continued, "Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There's no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
According to reports, Trump is safe and is "doing fine." The former president was reportedly not harmed.
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"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Steven Cheung, Trump's campaign spokesperson, said, per Fox8. "He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
However, an attendee at his rally was confirmed to have died. Since the shooting incident, several people have taken to social media to express their support for Trump and condemn the violent act.
Donald Trump Released A Statement On The Pennsylvania Rally Shooting
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Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump condemned the violent incident but emphasized that nothing is known about the alleged shooter yet.
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," the ex-president said. "Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured."
He continued, "It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin."
Concluding his post, Trump said, "Much bleeding took place. So I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Who Was The Alleged Shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks
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The FBI has reportedly identified the alleged shooter at Trump's rally as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old White man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Crooks was shot and killed at the scene seconds after firing some rounds in the direction of the former president. He was allegedly equipped with an assault rifle.
The alleged shooter was a registered Republican, according to state voter records, per Reuters, and he would have been eligible to vote in a presidential election for the first time in the next election on November 5, 2024.
According to the news outlet, Crooks, who lived one hour away from where the shooting happened, donated $15 to ActBlue when he was 17 years old. The political action organization supports Democratic and left-leaning politicians.
Matthew Crooks, the alleged shooter's 53-year-old father, reportedly told CNN that he was trying to understand what had happened and would not discuss his son with anyone until he had spoken with law enforcement.
Ex-President Barack Obama Condemns Shooting At Rally
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Former President Barack Obama released a short statement on X (formerly Twitter), addressing the shooting incident at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania.
Obama condemned the violent act, stating, "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy."
He continued, "Although we don't yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn't seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."
Senator Chuck Schumer, Mike Pence, And More Condemn The Shooting At The Donald Trump Rally
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Since the shooting incident, several politicians on the right and left wing have spoken out in condemnation of the act.
On X, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed horror at what happened, writing, "I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country."
Senator Mitch McConnell thanked the Secret Service, writing, "Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement."
House Speaker Mike Johnson reacted to the incident, writing on X, "Praying for President Trump."
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House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries also shared his thoughts on the incident. He said, "My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable."
Trump's former Vice President, Mike Pence, released a statement urging Americans to pray for the former president.
He said, "Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us."