On Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden spoke to the nation about the importance of unity and announced increased security following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Saturday’s shooting sparked debate about the efficiency of the Secret Service and raised questions about the level of protection Trump and other presidential candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., receive. Some blamed Biden for Trump and Kennedy not having more protection and while Secret Service agents were praised for the heroism, the agency was also criticized for its perceived failure to secure the area. The shooting comes as Trump and other high profile Republicans are preparing to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday.
Biden announced on Sunday that he directed the head of the Secret Service to “review all security measures, all security measures, for the Republican National Convention.”
The four-day RNC is estimated to bring upwards of 50,000 delegates, politicians, and official guests. Trump is set to accept the GOP party’s nomination and announce his running mate at the convention.
Biden also expressed gratitude to the agents who risked their lives for the protection of Trump in yesterday’s shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. Biden also emphasized that Trump “already receives a heightened level of security,” because he’s a former president and the presumed Republican nominee.
“I’ve been consistent in my direction of the Secret Service to provide him with every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary to ensure his continued safety,” Biden said.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
