Following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Sunday, condemning violence and emphasizing that American differences should be resolved through voting, not violence.
In his Oval Office address, Biden acknowledged that Americans may have differing views about the country’s future but stressed, “politics must never be a battlefield.” He stated, “Disagreement is inevitable and American democracy is part of human nature…but politics must never be a literal battlefield or, God forbid, a killing field.”
With the election approaching, Biden highlighted the importance of peaceful conduct, saying, “there is an added burden on each of us to ensure that no matter how strong our convictions, we must never descend into violence.” He also noted the upcoming Republican National Convention, expecting criticism of his record but reaffirming his commitment to presenting his vision for the country.
Biden emphasized, “We debate and disagree, we compare and contrast the character of the candidates, the records, the issues, the agenda, the vision for America. But in America, we resolve our differences at the ballot box, that’s how we do it, at the ballot box, not with bullets.”
He underscored that “the power to change America should always rest in the hands of the people, not in the hands of a would-be assassin,” and stressed the need “to lower the temperature” in politics. Biden urged Americans to remember, “when we disagree, we are not enemies; we are neighbors, we are friends, co-workers, citizens and, most importantly, we are fellow Americans. We must stand together.”
Addressing the shooting at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, Biden called for reflection on the country’s current state and future direction. This Oval Office address, only the third of Biden’s presidency, came in response to a severe incident, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Biden reiterated that violence has no place in America, referencing the attack on Trump and listing previous attacks on public figures, including the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and the assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband. Trump was on stage at a campaign rally when the gunshots occurred, leading to a swift response from Secret Service agents.
The FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and the investigation is ongoing.