Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has pointed to the rhetoric of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as being responsible for the second apparent assassination attempt against him at his Florida golf club. In an interview with Fox News Digital on Monday, Trump claimed, “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at… and they are the ones that are destroying the country.”
Trump’s Accusation Against Biden and Harris
During the interview, Trump did not provide specific evidence to support his claims but argued that the language used by Biden and Harris in political discourse is influencing individuals like Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspected gunman in the most recent incident. Routh was arrested after allegedly pointing an AK-47-style rifle through a fence at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
While Trump blames the Biden-Harris administration for inciting violence, both the President and Vice President condemned the assassination attempt in statements released on Sunday. Biden stated that he was “relieved” that Trump was unharmed and emphasized that the Secret Service would continue to receive the resources needed to protect the former president.
In her own statement, Harris expressed that she was “deeply disturbed” by the apparent assassination attempt and urged all Americans to prevent the situation from escalating into further violence.
Suspect Apprehended, Motive Unclear
Ryan Wesley Routh, the gunman accused of attempting to assassinate Trump, was charged on Monday with gun-related crimes. According to authorities, a Secret Service agent spotted Routh aiming the rifle through the fence before he was apprehended. Although Routh did not fire any shots, federal and state investigations are underway to determine his motive.
The FBI has confirmed that it is treating the incident as an assassination attempt, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state would be conducting its own investigation.
Trump Cites Debate as Another Example of Bias
In the Fox News interview, Trump also referenced last week’s presidential debate with Harris, which aired on ABC News. He described the debate as “biased” and felt it was “three against one,” with Harris and the moderators targeting him. He further criticized Harris in a social media post, linking the debate rhetoric and ongoing legal challenges to the assassination attempts, claiming that “Communist Left Rhetoric” is inciting violence.
GOP Reactions
Several Republican lawmakers have come out in support of Trump’s claims, with Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) agreeing that Democratic rhetoric is provoking violence against the former president. Waltz noted in a Fox News interview that the left-wing narrative to “stop Trump by any means necessary” is radicalizing individuals.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also weighed in, stating that Trump surviving two assassination attempts is an act of God. “God has spared his life twice now… I believe it’s providence,” said Johnson during an interview on Fox News.
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