President Joe Biden spoke of “principled patriotism” in remarks at a July Fourth event with military families at the White House.
BIDEN SAYS HE ‘SURGED’ FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO HELP SEARCH FOR JULY FOURTH PARADE SHOOTER
The commander in chief talked about his belief of what the United States is about and how progress has shaped the country.
“For America is always becoming, always on the move, always a work in progress. That’s the key word, the key idea, keynote in the life of our nation: Progress,” Biden said. “Forward motion, the creation of possibilities, the fulfillment of promises, that’s the American story and you all know well it’s not a simple one. It never has been. It’s often been the case when we have taken giant steps forward, we’ve taken a few steps backwards.”
During several points in the speech, Biden appeared to take swipes at the Supreme Court for its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“The Fourth of July comes at a critical moment: Our economy is growing but not without pain, liberty is under assault both here and abroad,” Biden said. “In recent days, there has been reason to believe that this country is moving backward, that freedom is being reduced, that rights we believed were protected are no longer.”
The president also acknowledged the shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, by touting the recently passed gun safety law and while also saying there is work to be done.
“Each day, we are reminded there is nothing guaranteed about our democracy, nothing guaranteed about our way of life,” Biden said. “We have to fight for it, defend it and earn it by voting. To refine, evolve, and extend, to call on America to move boldly and unafraid.”
Six people were killed and at least two dozen others were hospitalized after the morning shooting, according to officials from the Chicago suburb. Shortly after Biden’s speech, police identified a person of interest: Robert E. Crimo III, 22, who is believed to be driving a 2010 silver Honda Fit with an Illinois license plate with the number DM80653. Biden released a statement before his speech that said he had “surged” federal law enforcement to help search for the July Fourth parade shooter.
During his address at the White House, Biden also touted planned ceremonies this week to award the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In closing his remarks, Biden said he has optimism for the country and called for unity.
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“Today, amid the storm and strife, may we commit ourselves to a principled patriotism,” Biden said.
The Bidens are then expected to view the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall starting at 9:09 p.m.
