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Biden calls for unity, easing of tensions following Trump shooting

15.07.2024 11:30
U.S. President Joe Biden has condemned Saturday's assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and called for political unity and a lowering of tensions in a televised address from the Oval Office at the White House.
Audio
Former US President Donald Trump is rushed off stage by the Secret Service after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
Former US President Donald Trump is rushed off stage by the Secret Service after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.Photo: EPA/DAVID MAXWELL

Biden urged Americans to stand together and lower the temperature of political discourse.

"While we may disagree, we are not enemies," Biden said in his address on Sunday. "We are neighbors, friends, co-workers, citizens. And most importantly, we are fellow Americans."

Biden expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured and extended his prayers to him. He also condemned other acts of political violence, including the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Biden emphasized that disagreements in democracy should not lead to violence.

"In America, we resolve our differences at the ballot box, not with bullets," he stated, highlighting the need for dignity and respect in political debates.

"There is no place in America for this kind of violence or for any violence ever," he said. "We can’t allow this violence to be normalized."

He urged Americans to reject extremism and misinformation and to engage in good faith arguments.

Trump, who has arrived in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, is expected to be formally nominated as his party's presidential candidate.

Following the shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Trump confirmed he was "fine" and thanked the Secret Service for its swift response.

The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks. He was killed on the spot by Secret Service agents.

Trump was speaking at the Pennsylvania rally when shots rang out, hitting his right ear and leaving streaks of blood on his face. One person in the crowd was killed and two others wounded before Secret Service agents fatally shot the suspect, the Reuters news agency reported.

Four U.S. presidents have been assassinated and several escaped assassination attempts, according to Reuters. Multiple presidential candidates have been shot, some fatally, it noted.

(jh/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.