Biden calls for national unity, says he's ordering independent review after attempted assassination of Trump

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden called for unity following the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, saying Sunday there is "no place in America" for the violence that unfolded at Saturday's Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

In brief remarks from the White House Roosevelt Room, Biden said he spoke with Trump on Saturday night during a brief phone call. He also said he's ordering an independent review into the attack, calling for a “thorough and swift” probe.

"I'm sincerely grateful that he's doing well and recovering," Biden said. "We had a short but good conversation. Jill and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers."

Biden said he will give a full primetime address to the nation Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET from the Oval Office.

More: Trump vows he'll be at this week's GOP convention after rally shooting: Live updates

"As I said last night, there is no place in America for this kind of violence, or any violence for that matter. An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation. Everything. It's not who we are as a nation. It's not American, and we can't allow this to happen," Biden said.

He added: "Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now ? unity. We'll debate and we'll disagree. That's not going to change. But we're going to not lose sight of who we are as Americans."

Trump's right ear was injured and bloodied in the shooting at a campaign rally Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh. One spectator, identified as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, was killed in the shooting. Two others, both adult males, wee hurt.

"We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed," Biden said. "He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired and he lost his life. God love him. We're also praying for the full recovery of those who were injured."

The FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa. Crooks, who was on the roof of a nearby building, was killed by Secret Service agents moments after gunfire erupted at the former president's rally.

Biden said he and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the shooting Sunday morning by law enforcement and homeland security officials. He said the FBI's investigation into the shooting is still in its early stages.

"We don't yet have any information about the motive of the shooter. We know who he is. I urge everyone, everyone, please don't make assumptions about his motives or his affiliations. Let the FBI do their job," Biden said. "I've instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift."

Biden said he directed the director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday in Milwaukee. He said he also ordered an independent review of the security measures taken at the Trump rally to "assess exactly what happened."

The White House said Biden has rescheduled a previously planned trip Monday to Texas following the shooting.

More: This election was already shattering norms. Then the Trump rally shooting happened.

Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden calls for national unity after attempted assassination of Trump