Donald Trump blames Kamala Harris' ‘Communist rhetoric' for latest assassination attempt as ex-President claims 'flying bullets’ will 'only get worse'
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed in their first debate last night
ABC
Donald Trump has blamed Kamala Harris for yesterday’s assassination attempt as the ex-President appeared to suggest shootings will only continue.
The 45th President, who survived a separate assassination attempt in July, released a fiery statement accusing his 2024 rival of playing a leading role in the polarisation of American politics.
Trump’s comments came just hours after 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh used an assault rifle to open fire at the ex-President during a golfing session in Florida.
Routh, who said he made a “terrible mistake” by voting for Trump in 2016, was arrested shortly after the attempted assassination.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed in their first debate last week
ABCConnecting yesterday’s shooting to Trump’s debate with Harris, the ex-President said: “The Rhetoric, Lies, as exemplified by the false statements made by Comrade Kamala Harris during the rigged and highly partisan ABC Debate, and all of the ridiculous lawsuits specifically designed to inflict damage on Joe’s, then Kamala’s, Political Opponent, ME, has taken politics in our Country to a whole new level of Hatred, Abuse, and Distrust.
“Because of this Communist Left Rhetoric, the bullets are flying, and it will only get worse! Allowing millions of people, from places unknown, to INVADE and take over our Country, is an unpardonable sin.”
He added: “I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes - It was certainly an interesting day!
“Most importantly, I want to thank the US Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE.
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A US Coast guard patrol boat operates around Mar-A-Lago following the attempted assassination Reuters“THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”
Biden also came under fire following the first assassination attempt in July after the 46th President claimed it was “time to put Trump in a bullseye”.
He subsequently admitted the comment was a “mistake” and argued more Secret Service Assistance was needed.
Harris' campaign team have not commented on Trump’s claim.
Law enforcement officers stand after reports of shots fired outside Trump's golf courseReutersRouth’s motive remains unknown as the FBI continues to conduct an extensive investigation into the 58-year-old’s background.
The FBI is investigating Sunday's incident as an "attempted assassination".
However, it was not clear if Routh was aiming his gun at the former President and it is not clear if he fired a shot.
Agents fired at the suspect after spotting his rifle through the fence line near the Trump International golf course.
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