Biden Orders ‘Thorough And Swift’ Investigation After Attempted Assassination At Rally, Confirms He Spoke With Trump

President Joe Biden addressed reporters from the White House Sunday afternoon after meeting with his homeland security team in the Situation Room, calling for a “thorough and swift” review of the security situation at the rally where former President Donald Trump was almost assassinated. 

“I’ve instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift, and the investigators will have every resource they need to get this done,” Biden said. “I’ve directed an independent review of national security at yesterday’s rally to assess exactly what happened and we’ll share the results of that independent review with the American people.”

Biden cautioned not to make assumptions about the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, until an investigation is completed, claiming that motives are still unknown.

Joe Biden’s remarks on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump after a briefing in the Situation Room:

“Unity is the most elusive goal of all… We will 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.” pic.twitter.com/ljCFYP0igy

— Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) July 14, 2024

“The assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation,” Biden added. “Unity is the most elusive goal of all, and nothing is more important than that right now. Unity. We will 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.”

President Biden confirmed that he spoke to Donald Trump last night

“Last night I spoke with Donald Trump. I am sincerely grateful that he is doing well and recovering and we had a short but good conversation,” Biden said. “Jill and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers.” 

Biden also gave his condolences to the family of 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, the victim who was killed when trying to protect his wife and daughters when the first shots rang out.

“We also extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim who was killed. He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired and he lost his life. God love him.”

In addition to a security review, Biden said he called on the Security Service to ensure security is adequate for the Republican National Convention taking place this week.

Biden added that he will address the nation Sunday from the Oval Office at 8 p.m. ET.

“We must unite as one nation to demonstrate who we are,” Biden concluded.