WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said “there is no place for political violence” following Sunday’s second assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump, vowing to make sure the Secret Service has “every resource” for Trump’s safety.
Biden, in a written statement Sunday evening, said his team has briefed him on what the Federal Bureau of Investigating is investigating as an apparent assassination attempt against Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential nominee.
U.S. Secret Service agents opened fire Sunday afternoon on a gunman located near the property line of the Trump International Golf Course in Palm Beach, Florida, while Trump was playing golf about 400 to 500 yards away. The suspected, taken into custody, was identified by multiple outlets as Ryan Wesley Routh. Trump was not injured.
Live updates:FBI investigating new Trump assassination attempt near his golf course; suspect detained
Biden commended the work of the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners “for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe.”
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“I am relieved that the former President is unharmed,” Biden said. “There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened. As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.”
Biden said he has directed the federal government “to continue to ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”
The Secret Service has been under intense scrutiny since the first assassination attempt against Trump, when a gunman in July was able to fire off several rounds targeting Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet and one attendee was killed in the attack. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following criticism over the agency’s security lapses during the rally.
Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.
