VP Harris calls Trump assassination attempt a 'horrible and cowardly act'

Vice President Kamala Harris made her first public comments on the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday while addressing a crowd at a campaign event in Michigan on Wednesday.

Days after the shooting, investigators were still combing through evidence, including a search of the 20-year-old shooter's home, vehicle, computer and phone.

"I have not had the chance to publicly talk about it, but I will say a few words about the attempt on the life of former President Trump over the weekend. As we all know, it was a heinous, horrible and cowardly act. My husband Doug and I are thankful he was not seriously injured. That day, as soon as we saw what was happening, we said a prayer for his well-being. And our thoughts immediately turned to Melania, who we have met, and their family," Harris said Wednesday.

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"The bottom line is that no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in public office. Our heart goes out to the family of Corey Comperatore , a true hero who died protecting his family. And Doug and I are of course holding them close in our hearts. We are also wishing those who were critically injured that day a swift and full recovery. And, we are thankful to the United States Secret Service, the first responders and local authorities," the vice president said at the event. "The United States of America, I believe, is the greatest democracy the world has ever known."

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Vice President Harris said one of the questions we should now confront ourselves with is how we should engage with one another during the campaign.

This week, the vice president accepted the first invitation from a television network to participate in a vice presidential debate, now that Sen. JD Vance was revealed to be the vice president pick to run alongside Donald Trump on the Republican ticket in the 2024 race for the White House.

The White House said the vice president agreed to a CBS-hosted debate on either Tuesday, July 23 or Tuesday, Aug. 13. Monday, Aug. 12 was also offered as a potential debate date.