
President Joe Biden expressed regret over his recent comments urging Americans to put his political rival, former President Donald Trump, in a “bull’s-eye” following an attempted assassination on Trump.
The controversy began after an attack on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Republicans quickly accused Biden of inciting violence, pointing to his remarks from the previous week where he said, “We’re done talking about the debate; it’s time to put Trump in a bull’s-eye.”
In an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt on Monday, Biden admitted that his choice of words was inappropriate. “It was a mistake to use the word,” Biden said. “I didn’t, I didn’t say crosshairs. I meant bull’s-eye. I meant focus on it. Focus on what he’s doing.”
Despite his regret over the language used, Biden continued to criticize Trump, labeling him an existential threat to American democracy.
The incident on Saturday involved a gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Pennsylvania, who opened fire on Trump’s campaign. A bullet grazed Trump’s ear, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to several others. The assailant was quickly subdued by security personnel.
President Biden condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation, urging Americans to refrain from speculating about the shooter’s motives or affiliations.