Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday denounced the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump as “a heinous, horrible and cowardly act” in her first public remarks on the Saturday attack.
“As we all know, it was a heinous, horrible and cowardly act,” the 59-year-old vice president said during a campaign stop in Michigan.
“My husband Doug and I are thankful he was not seriously injured. That day as soon as we heard what was happening, we said a prayer for his wellbeing.”
Harris expressed her condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, a hero 50-year-old firefighter who was killed in the attack on the Republican presidential candidate by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.
“Our thoughts immediately turned to Melania, who we have met, and their family. The bottom line is no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in public office,” Harris said.
“Our heart goes out to the family of Corey Comperatore, a true hero who died protecting his family. And Doug and I of course are holding him close in our hearts.”
Here’s the latest on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump:
- Everything we know about Trump’s assassination attempt as authorities work to uncover sniper’s motive
- What we know about Thomas Matthew Crooks, gunman who tried to assassinate Trump at Pa. rally
- Grateful, defiant Trump recounts surviving ‘surreal’ assassination attempt at rally: ‘I’m supposed to be dead’
- Local counter-sniper team was inside building where Trump shooter climbed on the roof and opened fire: sources
The VP added: “We are also wishing those who were critically injured that day a swift and full recovery.”
“The United States of America, I believe, is the greatest democracy the world has ever known,” she went on. “But in the aftermath of this weekend’s shooting one of the questions we now confront is about the way we should engage in one another in this campaign.”
She also said: “There must be unity around the idea that while our nation’s history has been scarred by political violence, violence is never acceptable.”
Trump, 78, has announced plans to attend Comperatore’s private funeral service this week.
Harris was speaking during an event focused on abortion rights and reversing the impact of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
The remarks come as Democrats resume pressure on President Biden, 81, to end his bid for a second term over concern about his cognitive fitness.
Harris is widely believed to be his most likely replacement atop the party’s presidential ticket in the Nov. 5 election.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.