Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris reacted to the second failed assassination attempt against the Republican nominee on Sunday in remarks that voiced gratitude for his safety and expressed a desire for an end to the political violence.
Trump was targeted by a would-be assassin allegedly hiding in the bushes with an AK-47 at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida, yet members of the Secret Service spotted the rifle and opened fire and police took the suspect into custody. Trump said in a statement that he was thankful for the “concern and well wishes,” saying that Sunday was “certainly an interesting day.”
Harris meanwhile remarked in a statement from the White House that she was “deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt” and affirmed that she condemns political violence. “We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,” Harris said. “As President Biden said, our administration will ensure the Secret Service has every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission.”
Trump added on Monday that the “false statements” made by Harris and the media during the debate have "taken politics in our country to a whole new level of hatred, abuse, and distrust.”
The suspected assassin, who is a convicted felon, made his first appearance in federal court on Monday and faces charges related to felony possession of a firearm. Trump also reportedly invited the police officers who located the would-be assassin to his estate at Mar-a-Lago.
The incident comes two months after Trump was fired upon at an event in Pennsylvania, where he turned his head at the last moment and the bullet meant for his skull instead nicked his ear.
Officials with the Secret Service have admitted that the shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” raising questions as to why the position was not secured. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after the attempted assassination, during which one rally attendee was killed and two others were critically injured.
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis also announced that the state would conduct “its own investigation regarding the attempted assassination” over the weekend, asserting that “the people deserve the truth about the would-be assassin” and how he was able to enter the vicinity of Trump.
