The President of the United States (US) Joe Biden and former President Barrack Obama have reacted to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
Trump was shot in the right ear on Saturday, July 13, during an election rally at Butler, Pennsylvania, US causing blood to trickle down his face, prompting swift action from his security agents.
According to reports, a gunman opened fire at his campaign rally, killing one spectator and injuring the former President.
President Biden condemned the incident and expressed relief that his predecessor is safe and recovering from the injury.
“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 said.
Biden and the US First Lady Jill Biden thanked the Secret Service for protecting Trump stating that such an occurrence has no place in the country.
“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,” he added.
The Whitehouse confirmed that President Biden spoke to Trump after the incident.
In a statement, Whitehouse stated that Biden will travel back to Washington and continue receiving updates from security agencies.
“This evening, President Biden spoke to former President Trump. Tonight, President Biden is returning to Washington DC. He will continue to receive regular updates from homeland security and law enforcement officials,” read the statement.
Obama Condemns Incident
Barack Obama wished his successor a quick recovery and emphasized that political violence cannot be tolerated in the US.
He stated that they still don’t have exact details of what happened but stated that Trump wasn’t seriously injured.
“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.
Also Read: Biden Finally Designates Kenya as Major Non-NATO Ally
The Shooting
According to reports, the shooter appeared to take an elevated position on a rooftop outside the venue.
The US Secret Service confirmed the shooter’s death and injuries to two other spectators.
In the incident, the Republican presidential contender was about six minutes into his speech when gun shots were heard.
Afterwards, Trump grabbed his right ear and then got to the floor, where he was immediately swarmed by Secret Service agents who piled on top of him to protect him.
The agents then helped him stand up and took him from the stage to a waiting vehicle.
With blood on the side of his head and ear, Trumps repeatedly pumped his fist in the air and waved as the crowd cheered.
Also Read: Obama to Visit Kenya for Groundbreaking Project in Nairobi
Trump Narrates Ordeal
Speaking after the incident, Trump said a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he heard sounds, shots and felt the bullet going through his skin.
“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening,” Trump wrote.
He thanked the Security agents and sent his condolences to the families of the people killed and injured during the shooting.
Trump said, “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
