Biden Addresses Nation After Trump Rally Attack, Orders Independent Security Review

Washington: US President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Sunday afternoon after a Situation Room briefing about the apparent assassination attempt that occurred on his predecessor and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday.

Trump, the 78-year-old former president, was injured on Saturday after being shot in the ear during an apparent assassination attempt. The attacker killed one spectator at the rally, and two others were critically injured. The male attacker was shot and killed by a member of the Secret Service.

Biden Orders Independent Security Review

Biden, in his speech, appealed for the country to 'unite as one nation' after Saturday's apparent assassination attempt on Trump and said he was ordering an independent security review of the lead-up to the attack. The announcement of Biden's remarks came after Homeland Security and law enforcement officials briefed Biden, and the White House continued to call for national unity and condemn the stunning act of violence.

Not To Make Assumptions About Perpetrator's Motives or Affiliations, Urges Biden

Biden delivered brief remarks from the White House and said he has directed the probe to be “thorough and swift," and asked the country not to “make assumptions” about the perpetrator's motives or affiliations.

Biden plans to deliver extended remarks to the nation Sunday evening in a prime-time address from the Oval Office.

This Assassination Attempt Goes Against Everything We Stand For As a Country: Biden

Biden in his address said, "I'm grateful that he is doing well and recovering. As I mentioned last night, there is no place in America for this kind of violence, or any violence for that matter. We are also praying for everyone who was injured. We are grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies, who risk their lives for our nation. This assassination attempt goes against everything we stand for as a country. We cannot allow this to happen. Unity is our clearest goal, and nothing is more important than that right now."

It's Sick! Says Biden

Addressing the nation after the incident, Biden said, “Look, there is no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this,” Biden told reporters at his Rehoboth Beach house in Delaware. Biden was scheduled to be in Delaware for the weekend but changed his plans to return to the White House.

'We Cannot Allow This to Happen…,' Says Biden

He added, "We are also praying for everyone who were injured. We are grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies, who risk their lives for our nation. This assassination attempt goes against everything we stand for as a country. We cannot allow this to happen. Unity is our goal, and nothing is more important than that right now.

Biden Says He Was Unable To Reach Trump

He said he had been unable to reach Trump before his remarks, but the White House said he did speak to Trump several hours earlier. 

"The idea that there's political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It was just not appropriate. Everybody must condemn it,” Biden said, adding that so far it appears to be doing well.

Former Presidents Condemn Attack on Trump

Biden and former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton condemned the assassination attempt saying there is no place for violence in America.

No Place for Political Violence in Our Democracy, Says Obama

Obama condemned the attack and wished quick recovery to Trump.

“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. 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,” Obama said.

Grateful That Trump Is Safe: Bush

Bush said he and his wife Laura are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life.

"And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response,” he said.

Heartbroken For All Those Affected by Attack, Says Clinton

Clinton said, "Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the US Secret Service."

Must All Condemn This Abhorrent Act: Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris said she has been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania.

"We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action,” she said.

“Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence,” Harris said.

(with AP inputs)