Congress pushes for heightened security for Donald Trump following a second near-attack at a Florida golf course.
At a Glance
- Biden urged Americans to reject political violence and settle differences peacefully.
- The attack on Trump prompted calls for a thorough security review and enhanced measures.
- A suspicious individual was flagged to the Secret Service before the incident.
- The FBI and DHS are investigating the attack, while Trump vows to continue his campaign.
Heightened Security Demands
Following the evidence of a severe security lapse at a Donald Trump rally, Congress is calling for stronger protective measures for Trump after a second near-fatal incident. The latest attack, taking place at a golf course in Florida, highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive review of security protocols.
A counter sniper identified a suspicious man using a rangefinder 20 minutes before the shooting. Local police had initially spotted the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, acting strangely an hour before the incident. Unfortunately, they lost him in the crowd. Crooks managed to fire at Trump, killing one rallygoer and injuring two others before Secret Service snipers killed him.
Biden’s Condemnation and Actions
President Joe Biden condemned the attack on Trump and expressed his determination for a thorough security review. Biden emphasized the need for Americans to reject political violence and resolve differences peacefully. He also urged against assuming the attacker’s motives or affiliations.
“All of us now face a time of testing as the election approaches,” Biden said. “There is no place in America for this kind of violence — for any violence. Ever. Period. No exception. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized.”
Biden and the First Lady expressed condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, killed in the attack. In response, Biden’s campaign has paused political messaging and postponed events. Vice President Kamala Harris has also delayed a campaign trip. Additionally, the President ordered a review of security measures at the rally and an independent review of national security.
Investigations and Future Actions
Republicans heavily criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the incident, questioning why Trump was allowed to take the stage despite a recognized threat. The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general and the FBI are both investigating the incident. The FBI is treating it as an assassination attempt, though no motive has been identified yet.
“It seems to me like there was just a miscommunication, but the reality is, if it’s a Secret Service event, anything that happens is our fault,” an official told the BBC.
Congress intends to hold hearings on the circumstances and security measures of the shooting. The Secret Service, tasked with the security of political candidates, will undergo intense scrutiny. Despite the dangers, Trump has expressed his determination to continue his campaign and attend the Republican National Convention.
