WEST PALM BEACH, (TDI): Former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday blamed Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for second assassination attempt on his life, claiming their rhetoric about him threatening democracy is fueling such attacks.
Trump’s comments followed the arrest of 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh on Sunday.
Routh was apprehended after allegedly planning to shoot Trump while he was on a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Armed with an assault-style rifle, Routh was taken into custody by Secret Service agents after a brief standoff, ultimately surrendering without further violence.
Following the incident, Trump wasted no time in politicizing the attack, accusing Biden and Harris of inciting violence with their frequent claims that he poses a danger to democracy.
“Their rhetoric is putting me at risk when I am the one who will save this country,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Read More: Suspect Arrested in Trump Assassination Attempt
The FBI is investigating the case as an assassination attempt. Routh, charged with illegal firearms possession, appeared in court on Monday.
He remained silent during the proceedings, only responding with a “yes” when questioned by the judge.
This marks the second attack on Trump in recent months, the first being an incident in Pennsylvania where Trump was grazed by a bullet, and one of his supporters was killed.
After that event, the Secret Service faced criticism for its security measures, and questions have resurfaced following Routh’s ability to get close to Trump on the golf course.
President Biden, speaking from the White House, expressed relief that Trump was unharmed, stating, “Thank God the president is safe,” and called for increased support for the Secret Service, urging Congress to address the agency’s needs.
Read More: Harris, Trump to Face Off in Debate with Muted Microphones
Routh, who has a long criminal history and has shown interest in Ukrainian causes, claimed to have traveled to Ukraine to recruit foreign fighters.
However, there is no evidence of his involvement in combat or connections to the Ukrainian military.
Following the incident, Trump used the opportunity to rally his supporters, soliciting donations through his social media platforms.
His posts included messages such as “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!!!!!” and calls for contributions to his campaign.
The assassination attempt has added to the already tense political atmosphere leading up to the U.S. presidential election.
In Springfield, Ohio, where Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance recently caused controversy with remarks about the local Haitian immigrant community, public institutions have faced repeated threats, leading to frequent closures.
This unrest reflects broader fears that Trump may once again refuse to concede if he loses the upcoming election to Harris, potentially reigniting chaos similar to the events of January 6, 2021.
