President Joe Biden has spoken to former President Donald Trump after a second-assassination attempt on the Republican presidential nominee’s life occurred on Sunday at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump was golfing at the time of the assassination attempt.
White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons said in a post on X that Biden has spoken with Trump and “conveyed his relief that he is safe” in a Sept. 16 phone call.
According to Simons, the two “shared a cordial conversation,” and Trump expressed his thanks during the phone call.
Trump later took part in a Space on X about the launch of World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform by his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric. The former president talked about his conversation with Biden earlier in the day.
“He was very nice, that he called up to make sure that I was OK,” Trump said of his conversation with the president, adding that Biden also sought his input on whether “we need more people on my detail.”
Biden told reporters on Monday that the Secret Service “needs more help,” adding, “Thank God the [former] president’s OK.”
In an initial statement on Sunday, Biden commended the Secret Service’s work in protecting Trump and said he’d ensure any needed resources remain available for his continued protection.
“As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,” he said.
Biden said he’s directed his team to ensure the Secret Service has “every resource, capability, and protective measure necessary” to keep Trump safe.
Vice President Kamala Harris said in her own statement on Sunday she was “deeply disturbed” after learning of the possible attempt, and doubled down on Biden’s assurance of Secret Service protection.
The would-be assassin was identified by officials Monday as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh. A motive has not been released, but authorities have identified Routh as a convicted felon.
Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent about a hole ahead of Trump, who was at the fifth hole, according to authorities.
The agent noticed a rifle barrel poking through the property’s perimeter fence line and immediately opened fire, scaring away Routh, who was later arrested. Routh was about 300 to 500 yards from Trump and set up with a rifle with scope attached, a GoPro, and two nondescript black bags, each containing ceramic tile.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.