President Joe Biden responded to the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Sunday, saying he is “relieved that the former President is unharmed.”
In a statement, Biden expressed relief that Trump was unharmed in the shooting incident at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while also commending the Secret Service for their efforts in protecting the former president.
“I have been briefed by my team regarding what federal law enforcement is investigating as a possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. A suspect is in custody, and I commend the work of the Secret Service and their law enforcement partners for their vigilance and their efforts to keep the former President and those around him safe. I am relieved that the former President is unharmed. There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened,” he said.
Biden also denounced any political violence whatsoever and said he has “continued to ensure” that the Secret Service is well-equipped to protect Trump.
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety,” he added.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The statement comes after Secret Service shot at a man hiding behind a fence near one of the holes at the golf course after they spotted a gun barrel poking through it. A witness who spotted someone fleeing the scene in a black Nissan was able to get a photo of both the car and its license plate, and authorities detained the suspect shortly after. The suspect has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh.
In a press conference after the incident, Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said there were about “400-500 yards” separating the suspect and Trump when Secret Service located the suspect.
