Biden condemns attack on Trump during Pennsylvania rally

Washington: President Joe Biden and other major political leaders decried violence after the incident at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennysylvania  on Saturday night.

Biden, speaking from Delaware, said there was “no place in America for this kind of violence.”

“It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” he said. “We cannot condone this.”

“I tried to get a hold of Donald. He’s with his doctors,” Biden said. “I plan on talking to him, shortly, I hope.”

Biden said it appeared Trump was doing well and said that he would keep the news media informed.

The president said that he would be going back to his phone to get any updates from the federal government agencies involved in the investigation.

When asked if the shooting was an assassination attempt, Biden said: “I have an opinion, but I don’t have all the facts.” He added he wants to learn more information before commenting.

In a statement released by the White House before Biden’s on-camera remarks, the president said he was “grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.”

“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” Biden added.

Trump was rushed off the stage at a rally in the city of Butler after shots were fired just minutes into his rally. Photos and videos showed the Republican presidential nominee with blood on the side of his head and his ear.

The Butler County district attorney’s office said one spectator from the rally is dead and a second is in serious condition. The shooter involved in the incident is dead, NBC News has confirmed.

Trump is expected to survive, two senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter told NBC News.

Obama, Bush and other leaders react

Former President Barack Obama said in a statement that “there is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.”

“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” Obama said. “Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

Former President George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush were “grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”