Trump Blames Biden, Harris for Inciting Violence After Second Assassination Attempt
West Palm Beach, The Gulf Observer: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for what he called dangerous rhetoric following a second apparent assassination attempt against him. Speaking to Fox News Digital on Monday, Trump said the language used by his political rivals is to blame for the attack.
The incident took place on Sunday when a man, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly planned to shoot Trump while he was playing golf in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump, 78, stated that the rhetoric labeling him a “threat to democracy” is inciting violence against him, claiming, “their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country.”
Routh, 58, was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents after being spotted near the perimeter of Trump’s golf course, armed with an assault-style rifle. He was charged with illegal firearms possession, and additional charges are expected as the FBI continues its investigation, calling the incident an “apparent assassination attempt.”
Both Biden and Harris have condemned the attack. The President stated, “I’ve always condemned political violence. I always will.” The incident has heightened tensions just seven weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
Trump has repeatedly referred to comments made by Biden and Harris that he poses a danger to democracy due to his refusal to concede defeat in the 2020 election and his efforts to label the January 6, 2021, Capitol rioters as political dissidents. He warned in a post on his Truth Social network, “the bullets are flying, and it will only get worse.”
Routh remains in custody as the investigation continues.