President Joe Biden has expressed relief that former President Donald Trump was unharmed following a possible assassination attempt. Biden has directed his team to ensure that the Secret Service has all necessary resources to protect Trump. The suspect in custody has not been officially named, but reports suggest it is 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. Routh’s son has confirmed his father’s arrest but did not provide further details.
The White House has released statements from both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemning political violence and commending law enforcement for their efforts. Harris reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the Secret Service has the resources needed for its mission.
Republican leaders, including Senator Lindsey Graham and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed gratitude for the Secret Service’s protection of Trump and thanked law enforcement. Congress members of a bipartisan task force investigating the incident have requested a briefing from the Secret Service.
The FBI’s investigation into the incident is said to involve international partners due to suspected online activity associated with the suspect. Security officials have been searching the suspect’s former home in North Carolina. The suspect reportedly traveled to Ukraine to provide humanitarian aid before the incident.
Despite the security protocols around Trump loosening since he left office, law enforcement officials praised the Secret Service’s quick response that likely prevented harm to Trump. Reports suggest that Trump’s decision to go golfing on Sunday was last-minute. CNN spoke to a motorist who witnessed the aftermath of the incident, describing it as a chaotic scene.
Harris’s upcoming schedule includes campaign events and remarks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Leadership Conference.
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