Biden Orders Independent Review of Security After Trump Rally Assassination Attempt

President Joe Biden has called for an independent review of security measures following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. Biden emphasized unity and transparency, condemning the violence and ensuring thorough investigation by the FBI.

US President Joe Biden has mandated an independent review of the security protocols at the Pennsylvania rally where an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump took place. Addressing the nation from the White House on Sunday, Biden stated, "I've directed an independent review of national security at yesterday's rally to assess exactly what happened." He assured that the findings of this review would be shared with the American public.

This marks Biden's second public statement following the attack at Trump's Pennsylvania rally on Saturday. Additionally, he instructed the head of the US Secret Service to evaluate the security measures in anticipation of the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as reported by CNN. Biden affirmed his commitment to providing Trump with all necessary Secret Service resources.

"I've consistently directed the Secret Service to furnish him with every resource, capability, and protective measure needed for his continued safety," Biden said. At the time of the incident, Biden was in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and returned to the White House late Saturday, receiving updates from Homeland Security and law enforcement in the Situation Room on Sunday morning.

Biden condemned the assassination attempt, stating, "There is no place in America for this kind of violence, or any violence for that matter. An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation. It's not who we are, and we cannot allow this to happen." He stressed the importance of unity, calling it the most critical goal at this moment.

Biden confirmed a phone conversation with Trump but withheld details. He and First Lady Jill Biden are praying for the family of the person killed at the rally and expressed gratitude for Trump's well-being. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

Trump was on stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when the shooting occurred, prompting Secret Service agents to rush the stage. Biden called for unity and urged Americans to avoid prejudging the shooter's motives. "Let the FBI and partner agencies do their job," Biden said, emphasizing, "There's no place in America for this kind of violence."