Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump Sparks Call for Lowered Political Rhetoric

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson condemns the violence and urges both Democrats and Republicans to tone down the rhetoric. Former fire chief Corey Comperatore was killed and two others injured after a shooter opened fire at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Johnson praises Trump's composure after the incident and highlights the need for a full investigation into security lapses.

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has issued a strong call for both Democrats and Republicans to turn down the rhetoric and lower the political temperature in the United States. Johnson's comments come after a shooting incident at Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, that left one person dead and two others injured.

"This is a horrific act of political violence. It ought to be roundly condemned. Obviously, we can't go on this way as a society," Johnson said in an interview on NBC News.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump Sparks Call for Lowered Political Rhetoric

Johnson emphasized the need for leaders on both sides of the political aisle to condemn such acts of violence and work towards fostering a more civil discourse. He pointed out that the constant vilification of Trump by the media and political opponents has contributed to a heated political environment.

"When the message goes out constantly that the election of Donald Trump would be a ‘threat to Democracy,’ and that the Republic would end, it heats up the environment. We cannot do that. It's simply not true. Everyone must turn the rhetoric down," Johnson said.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump Sparks Call for Lowered Political Rhetoric

Johnson praised Trump's composure and strength after the incident, and called it a "miracle" that the former president survived the assassination attempt. He also expressed condolences to the victims' families and called for a full investigation into the security lapses that allowed the shooter to access the rooftop perch from which he fired.

The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old man from western Pennsylvania. Crooks reportedly shot Trump from a distance of approximately 130 yards, striking the upper part of Trump's right ear.

Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump Sparks Call for Lowered Political Rhetoric

Former law enforcement officials have raised concerns about the lax security measures at the event, with one rallygoer claiming that the security was "extremely lax." Johnson said he had questioned Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about how the shooter was able to access the rooftop.

Johnson pledged that he and his colleagues in Congress would launch a full investigation into the matter to determine where security measures failed and other concerns stemming from the shocking event. He also expressed confidence that Trump would continue to lead the country with strength and determination.

"I have every confidence that the American people will reject this kind of violence and intimidation, and that they will continue to support President Trump and his agenda for America," Johnson concluded.