Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, in her first public remarks about Saturday’s attack, condemned the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump as a “heinous, horrific and despicable act.”
“As we all know, this was a heinous, horrific and despicable act,” the 59-year-old vice president said while campaigning in Michigan.
“My husband, Doug, and I are thankful that he was not seriously injured. As soon as we heard what happened that day, we prayed for his health.”
Harris offered condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, the heroic firefighter, 50, who was shot and killed by suspected gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.
“Our thoughts immediately went to Melania Trump and her family, who we met. After all, just because you hold public office doesn’t mean you should have to fear for the safety of your loved ones,” Harris said.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Corey Comperatore, a true hero who lost his life protecting his family. Doug and I, of course, love him very much.”
“We also pray for a speedy and full recovery for those seriously injured that day,” the vice president added.
“I believe the United States of America is the greatest democracy the world has ever known,” she continued, “but one of the questions we face now in the aftermath of this weekend’s shootings is how we should relate to one another in this election campaign.”
“Our nation’s history has been marred by political violence, but we must unite in the idea that violence will never be tolerated,” she said.
Trump, 78, said he plans to attend Comperatore’s private funeral this week.
Harris spoke at an event focused on abortion rights and reversing the impact of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
The comments come as Democrats renew their push to end President Biden’s second term amid concerns about his cognitive ability, at 81. Harris is widely considered the party’s most likely front-runner to succeed Biden in the Nov. 5 election.
This is an ongoing story, please check back for future updates.
