Following a shocking assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, leaders from both parties are calling for lower political tensions.
Trump has decided to revamp his Republican National Convention (RNC) speech to focus on national unity, while President Joe Biden delivered a crucial address urging Americans to reject political violence.
The suspected gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by the Secret Service. Attendee Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former firefighter, also died during the incident.
Injured victims David Dutch and James Copenhaver are stable; Trump has a minor ear injury from a grazed bullet.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Trump shared his shift in speech focus, aiming now for unity. “The speech I planned was going to target Biden’s policies, but it’s going to be a lot different now,” he said.
Trump believes this is an opportunity to unite the nation and the world. Meanwhile, Biden stressed the need to come together despite political differences.
House Speaker Mike Johnson told NBC News that the incident calls for toning down rhetoric and treating each other with dignity.
Biden emphasized peaceful discussions, while refuting claims that his comments incited violence. He stressed on resolving differences through democratic processes.
The upcoming RNC is crucial, with all eyes on Trump’s address. Biden stressed the importance of peaceful political discourse and resolving conflicts through the voting process.
Both leaders see this incident as a moment that could either heal or deepen societal divides. Despite the seriousness, Johnson expects Trump to return to campaigning soon.