Biden calls for end to political violence after attack on Trump in Pennsylvania

President Joe Biden called for an end to political violence after a shooting at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania.

“There is no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sickening,” Biden said, adding that he had been fully briefed on the matter and planned to speak to Trump. “Everyone should condemn it.”

He also said he was briefed “thoroughly” on the situation of former President Donald Trump, who was evacuated after gunfire broke out during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and the alleged gunman, according to media reports. Washington Post who cited the Butler County prosecutor.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III issued a statement “condemning the violence” in a statement released Saturday: “The entire Department of Defense condemns this violence, which has no place in our democracy. This is not the way to resolve our differences in America, and it should never be.”

He said he was “relieved that reports indicate former President Trump is safe” and that he was “praying for him, his family and all those affected by this terrible incident.”

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Saturday in a statement that the department is engaged with the Biden and Trump campaigns and takes every possible measure to ensure their safety.

“DHS and the Secret Service are working with law enforcement partners to respond to and investigate the shooting. We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and commend the Secret Service for its swift action today,” Mayorkas said in the statement.

“We are committed to President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and we are taking every possible step to ensure their safety. Keeping presidential candidates and their campaign events safe is one of our Department’s most vital priorities,” he concluded.

Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that she and her husband are “relieved that (Trump) is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been hurt and affected by this senseless shooting.”

He also thanked the United States Secret Service, emergency services and local authorities for their immediate action.

“This type of violence 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 further violence,” Harris said in the statement.

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