Trump and Biden Call for Calm and Unity Following Assassination Attempt
Shooting Incident
One person in the crowd was killed, and two others were wounded before Secret Service agents shot the suspect.
Trump’s Arrival and Nomination
Donald Trump arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday, where he will be officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate after surviving an assassination attempt that has heightened US political tensions
Biden’s Review
President Joe Biden ordered a review of how a 20-year-old man with an AR-15-style rifle got close enough to shoot at Trump from a rooftop on Saturday. Trump, as a former president, has lifetime Secret Service protection.
The Rally Attack
Trump, 78, was at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when he was shot in the right ear, causing a bloody injury. His campaign said he was doing well.
Calls for Unity
Both Trump and Biden called for calm and unity on Sunday.
Convention Speech
Trump is set to accept the Republican nomination with a speech on Thursday at the Republican National Convention. He arrived in Milwaukee with a show of confidence.
Biden’s Address
Biden gave a televised address from the White House on Sunday, condemning the violence and urging for a cooling of political rhetoric.
Election Race Impact
Trump and Biden are in a close election race, according to most opinion polls. The shooting has shifted the campaign’s focus.
FBI Investigation
The FBI said there were no known threats to the Republican convention, which starts Monday, and no changes to the security plan are anticipated. The suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was identified by the FBI and the shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination.
Suspect’s Background
Crooks, a registered Republican and a dietary aide at a nursing home, legally bought the rifle used in the attack. A suspicious device found in his vehicle was rendered safe by bomb technicians.
Security Response
The Secret Service denied allegations of rejecting a campaign request for more security, stating that it recently enhanced Trump’s protection. The House Oversight Committee has summoned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify on July 22 about the incident.
Sheriff’s Account
Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe described how officers encountered the shooter, who opened fire shortly afterward.
Victims
The person killed was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, who died protecting his family. The wounded are in stable condition.
Community Shock
Residents of the suspect’s hometown expressed shock at the news.
Historical Context
This was the first shooting of a US president or major party presidential candidate since the 1981 attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. Concerns about rising political violence are high, with many Americans fearing violence could follow the election.
