Biden says he had good talk with Trump, directs independent review of rally security
President Biden on Sunday said he had a good talk with former President Trump and that he has directed an independent review of security at the Pennsylvania rally where the shooting took place.
Biden and Trump spoke the night prior and the president said, “I’m sincerely grateful that he’s doing well and recovering. We had a short but good conversation.”
He said the FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting but that so far, there is no information about the shooter’s motive available, urging Americans not to jump to conclusions.
“I urge everyone, everyone please don’t make assumptions about his motive or his affiliations. Let the FBI do their job and their partner agencies do their job,” he said.
Additionally, Biden said he asked the Secret Service to provide Trump with every resource and security measures to ensure his safety, directed the head of Secret Service to review all security measures for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week, and directed an independent review.
“I’ve directed an independent review of the national security at yesterday’s rally to assess exactly what happened and we’ll share the results of that independent review to the American people, as well,” he said.
The president said he would be speaking more about the shooting later on Sunday night “at greater length from the Oval Office.” The remarks will be at 8 p.m.
“We must unite as one nation,” he added.
The president began his remarks by saying that he and first lady Jill Biden are keeping Trump and his family in his prayers. And he offered condolences to the victim, who has been identified as Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former firefighter who was protecting his family during the gunfire.
“He was a father, he was protecting his family from the bullets being fired,” Biden said.
“Unity is the most illusive goal of all but nothing is more important than that right now, unity. We will debate and disagree, that’s not going to change. But we will not lose sight of who we are as Americans,” Biden said.
The president was flanked by Vice President Harris and attorney general Merrick Garland for his remarks from the White House. The president and vice president were briefed earlier on Sunday and he said they will continue to be briefed on the events in Pennsylvania.
He returned to Washington late on Saturday night after spending time at his Rehoboth, Del., home. He also gave remarks on Saturday two hours after the shooting.