President Biden: I’m grateful Trump is doing well. Politics should never be a battlefield
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WASHINGTON D.C. (KION-TV) -- During an address to the nation following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, President Biden urged Americans to come together during what has been a tense election year.
"When we disagree, we're not enemies," said Biden. "We're neighbors, we're friends, co-workers, citizens and mostly importantly fellow Americans.
Biden said he's pushing for Trump to continue to have the necessary security to keep him safe as the campaign continues. The President is also asking for security at the Republican National Convention to be analyzed as it begins this week.
"I'm grateful Trump is doing well," the President said. "Politics should never be a battlefield, and God Forbid a killing field."
During the address Biden said the motive of the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is unknown at this time. Biden also said it's unknown the opinions the shooter held or his political affiliations.
It's also unknown whether the shooter had help or support or communicated with anyone else prior to opening fire on the campaign rally, killing one person.
"Violence has never been the answer. There's no place in America for this kind of violence. For any violence, ever. No exceptions," said Biden.
President Biden: I spoke with Donald Trump. I'm sincerely grateful that he's doing well and recovering
President Biden spoke at the White House a day after an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
During the press conference, Biden described a "short but good conversation" with Trump following the assassination attempt.
Biden also said an attack like this has no place in America and that an assassination attempt is contrary to everything the nation stands for.
"We cannot allow this to happen," the President said. "Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now."
Biden also expressed his condolences to the family of the person killed during the attack. The man killed was identified by officials as Corey Comperatore.
"He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired and he lost his life. God love him," said Biden.
During the briefing, Biden laid out some of the security measures in place and how the investigation into the attack will continue.
He said the Secret Service is expected to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention scheduled for this week.
Biden said he is directing an independent review of security at the rally to assess what exactly happened.
Biden is scheduled to address the nation again at 5 p.m.