White Home responds to Elon Musk submit that “nobody is even making an attempt to assassinate Biden/Harris”
In a since-deleted submit, billionaire “X” proprietor Elon Musk wrote that, “Nobody is even making an attempt to assassinate Biden/Harris,” a submit that sparked outrage and concern.
White Home spokesperson Andrew Bates referred to as the rhetoric “irresponsible.”
“As President Biden and Vice President Harris stated after yesterday’s disturbing information, ‘there isn’t any place for political violence or for any violence ever in our nation,’ and ‘all of us should do our half to make sure that this incident doesn’t result in extra violence,'” Bates stated in an announcement. “Violence ought to solely be condemned, by no means inspired or joked about. This rhetoric is irresponsible.”
Trump blames Biden-Harris “rhetoric and lawsuits” for putting him at risk
Trump told Fox News Digital on Monday that he believes “the rhetoric of Biden and Harris” is what is causing him to be “shot at.”
Trump blamed the “combination of rhetoric and lawsuits they wrap me up in,” saying “these are the things that dangerous fools” listen to — “and the same with the first one,” he added, referring to the July 13 shooting at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“He believed the rhetoric of Biden and Harris, and he acted on it,” Trump said, although investigators have not yet commented on the suspect’s possible motive. “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country”
Trump mentioned Mr. Biden and Harris’ comments that he is a “threat to democracy,” saying they are the “opposite” of unity leaders.
Routh charged with two firearm counts
Routh was charged in federal court on Monday with two firearm offenses, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and obliterating the serial number on a firearm. Additional charges related to the apparent assassination attempt could come later.
If convicted on the two firearms charges, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years.
He was questioned by the judge in order to determine his eligibility for a public defender. He told the court that he has a job that pays $3,000 per month, but when asked whether he has any other assets, he replied that he did not. The judge appointed a public defender to represent Routh.
He was questioned by the judge in order to determine his eligibility for a public defender. He told the court that he has a job that pays $3,000 per month, but when asked whether he has any other assets, he replied that he had “zero funds.” He said he has two trucks in Hawaii that are worth about $1,000. And when asked about dependents, he replied that he has a 25-year-old son. The judge appointed a public defender to represent Routh.
Routh’s initial appearance in court was brief, just under 10 minutes. He appeared in court in a blue jail-issued jumpsuit and was shackled and handcuffed. His demeanor was very relaxed, despite the gravity of the charges, and he smiled and laughed at times with his lawyer.
The government will ask for pre-trial detention, asserting that Routh is a flight risk and a danger to the community. His bond hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 23. And his probable cause hearing will be Sept. 30.
Trump to host town hall Tuesday in Michigan after apparent assassination attempt
Trump is taking a break from the campaign trail Monday, but is scheduled to host a town hall in Michigan Tuesday. It will be Trump’s first public event after Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa has more in the video below.
Suspect due in court on federal charges
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said on Sunday night that suspect Ryan Wesley Routh will face federal charges, rather than state charges. He is expected to appear in court Monday morning in Florida.
Marco Bello / REUTERS
Trump meeting Monday with acting Secret Service director, sources say
Trump, who is still at his home in Florida, is expected to meet later Monday with the Secret Service’s acting director, sources familiar with the meeting confirmed to CBS News.
Ronald L. Rowe Jr. has been the acting director of the Service since July 23, when the former director, Kim Cheatle, resigned after the attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Biden says “thank God” Trump is safe, and Secret Service “needs more help”
President Biden told reporters Monday morning that the Secret Service “needs more help,” and Congress must make sure the agency receives whatever it needs.
He also expressed gratitude that Trump is safe.
“Thank God the president’s OK,” Mr. Biden told reporters on the White House South Lawn Monday morning. “I think we got a full report so far.”
“One thing I want to make clear,” he continued. “The Service needs more help. And I think that Congress should respond to their needs if they in fact need more service people. So that’s what we’re going to be talking about.”
The president suggested that whether that help means more personnel, more funding or both would be determined.
Routh was passionate about Ukraine war, had volunteered there
Routh was passionate about supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia and traveled to Kyiv in 2022. CBS News’ Holly Williams was in contact with him for more than a year in the early stages of the war in Ukraine, which she’s covered extensively. They spoke at least once on the phone and texted frequently. Routh put Williams in touch with several foreign fighters.
See more about his history in the video below.
