Joe Biden says politics can't be 'a battlefield' after Donald Trump assassination attempt
President Joe Biden on Sunday called on Americans to "lower the temperature in our politics" in an address from the Oval Office, a day after an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at his Pennsylvania campaign rally.
"We're friends, co-workers, citizens, and most importantly, we are fellow Americans. We must stand together," he said. "There is no place in America for this kind of violence for any violence ever, period. No exceptions. We can't allow this violence to be normalized."
"Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy. It's part of human nature," Biden said, telling Americans that politics cannot be a "battlefield" or "God forbid, a killing field."
The Oval Office address – a type of speech typically reserved for solemn moments facing the country – came a few hours after the president urged Americans to “unite as one nation.”
Trump, meanwhile, had the same message after he was shot on Saturday during his campaign stop. The former president was injured in the right ear after a sniper opened fire, and blood could be seen dripping on his face as he was escorted off stage by Secret Service agents.
“UNITE AMERICA!” he posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, as he set off to Milwaukee for Monday’s opening of the Republican National Convention.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win,” he also shared on Truth Social.
Corey Comperatore a Sarver, Pennsylvania, firefighter who had two daughters and was an avid Trump supporter, was killed in the shooting. Two other men were injured in the shooting – a 57-year-old New Kensington, Pennsylvania, resident and a 74-year-old resident of Moon Township. They were in stable condition on Sunday, according to an update from Pennsylvania State Police.
The suspected shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was killed by authorities moments after shots were fired.
"We resolve our difference at the ballot box," Biden said during his Sunday address. "The power to change America should always rest in the hands of the people – not in the hands of a would-be assassin."
Biden also talked about violent episodes in America's recent political life, telling viewers across the country that brutality has never been the answer “whether it's with members of Congress of both parties being targeted and shot, or a violent mob attacking the Capitol on January 6th, or a brutal attack on the spouse of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.”
On Jan. 6, 2021, a mob of Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. The attack disrupted a joint session of Congress that had convened to certify the results of the presidential election of 2020, which Trump lost to Biden.
Biden in his speech referred to “intimidation on election officials or the kidnapping plot against a sitting governor." In 2020, the FBI announced it had made several arrests and foiled a conspiracy to kidnap and possibly assassinate Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
"We can't allow this violence to be normalized," he said. "The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It's time to cool it down."
The president also referenced the start of the GOP convention on Monday, saying politicians on both sides of the aisle will continue arguing over their records and visions for the country – but peacefully.
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @SwapnaVenugopal
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden says politics can't be 'battlefield' after Trump rally shooting
