Trump Points Fingers at Biden and Harris After Second Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump survives second assassination attempt, blames Biden and Harris for inciting violence.

At a Glance

Trump safe after apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club.
Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh arrested with AK-47 style rifle.
Trump accuses Biden and Harris of inspiring attempts through “highly inflammatory language.”
Biden condemns assassination attempt, calls for end to political violence.
FBI leading investigation into Florida incident.

Trump Survives Second Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump escaped unharmed from an apparent assassination attempt at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident marks the second such attempt on Trump’s life in recent months, following a July incident where he was reportedly shot in the ear at a Pennsylvania rally. The Secret Service swiftly responded to the threat, ensuring Trump’s safety.

The suspected gunman, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after fleeing the scene. Authorities found Routh in possession of a loaded SKS semi-automatic rifle, food, a digital camera, and other items. Reports indicate that Routh had allegedly staked out Trump for over 11½ hours from a row of trees, intending to carry out the assassination.

Trump Blames Biden and Harris for Inciting Violence

In the aftermath of the incident, Trump wasted no time in pointing fingers at President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He accused the Democratic leaders of using “highly inflammatory language” that he claims inspired the assassination attempt. Trump’s accusations have added fuel to an already contentious political climate.

“Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country and they are the ones that are destroying the country — both from the inside and out,” Trump said in comments to Fox News Digital.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and conservative activist Ralph Reed echoed his sentiments, further amplifying the message that Democratic rhetoric is to blame for the escalating political tensions. Trump also criticized the media for what he perceives as biased coverage and protection of Democrats.

Biden Condemns Violence, Calls for Unity

President Biden responded to the assassination attempt by strongly condemning political violence and calling for national unity. In a gesture of bipartisanship, Biden personally reached out to Trump to express relief that he was safe.

“America has suffered too many times the tragedy of an assassin’s bullet,” Biden said at the start of an address to the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia. “It solves nothing. It just tears the country apart. We must do everything we can to prevent it and never give it any oxygen.”

Despite Biden’s call for unity, the incident has deepened the political divide. Trump’s camp remains shaken, with Republican strategist David Urban noting a profound sense of shock and uncertainty. The assassination attempt adds to a series of challenges facing Trump’s campaign, including his ongoing criminal trial and a recent hack by Iranian actors.

Investigations Underway

The FBI is leading the investigation into the Florida incident, while authorities are also looking into the motives behind the previous attempt in Pennsylvania. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state investigation into the incident, underscoring its significance.

As the 2024 presidential campaign continues, this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the heightened tensions and potential dangers surrounding political figures. The coming weeks will likely see increased security measures and continued debate over the role of political rhetoric in inspiring violence.