President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump shared a "cordial" phone conversation on Monday, just a day after an attempted assassination on Trump was thwarted near his West Palm Beach golf club.

The phone call marked a rare moment of direct communication between the two political rivals as Biden expressed his relief that Trump was unharmed and, according to the White House, the president reached out to offer his concerns, and Trump responded with appreciation for the gesture, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Second Assassination Attempt on Trump Thwarted

On Sunday, Secret Service agents opened fire on Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club, after spotting him with a weapon. The would-be shooter, who had a prior felony conviction, was later charged with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and appeared in federal court on Monday.

Biden addressed the situation during a public event, stating that he had tried to contact Trump earlier but had been unable to reach him. The president emphasized the importance of bolstering Secret Service protection, suggesting the need for more personnel to ensure the safety of the former president.

Trump's Criticism of Biden and Harris

While the phone call was described as polite, Trump's public statements earlier on Monday were notably more pointed. He accused Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of inciting violence against him through their rhetoric, linking their words to the recent attempt on his life and a previous incident in Pennsylvania in July. Trump told Fox News that "their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at," adding that he believes the current administration is both "destroying the country from the inside and out."

Trump also described the call itself as “very nice” in a statement to the Washington Examiner. He noted that the conversation focused on his protection and the role of the Secret Service, which has been a critical issue in light of the repeated threats against him.

Suspect Charged After the Attack

The alleged would-be assassin has a criminal background that prohibited him from possessing firearms. According to court filings, Routh was armed and near Trump’s residence when Secret Service agents opened fire after noticing the weapon. Fortunately, no one was injured in the exchange, and the incident was quickly brought under control.

Federal prosecutors have charged Routh with multiple offenses, and the ongoing investigation is expected to focus on how he acquired the firearm, despite his previous felony conviction.

Secret Service Under Scrutiny

In the wake of the incident, Biden commented on the need to assess whether additional security measures are necessary. Speaking at the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, he mentioned that an acting head of the Secret Service was sent to Florida to evaluate the current security protocols around Trump. Biden stressed the importance of ensuring that the former president’s safety remains a priority, particularly after multiple attempts on his life.

Biden also expressed support for increasing Secret Service resources to better handle such threats. His remarks were seen as a broader reflection on the need to address the growing political tensions that have led to heightened security concerns for public figures.

A Pattern of Threats

This incident marks the second time in recent months that Trump has faced an assassination attempt. In July, a similar plot was uncovered in Pennsylvania, raising alarms about the escalating threats against the former president. Trump has repeatedly pointed to the charged political climate as a contributing factor to the violence, citing the rhetoric of his political opponents.

Despite these tensions, Biden’s call signaled an attempt to focus on Trump’s personal safety, even amid the ongoing political and legal battles between the two men. The president’s gesture was framed by the White House as a sincere effort to express relief and solidarity in the face of danger.

Political Climate Fuels Tensions

While Trump acknowledged the cordial nature of the call, he has remained vocal in criticizing Biden and Harris for their role in the current political atmosphere. Trump’s allegations that their language incites violence have been a recurring theme in his recent public statements.

For now, the focus remains on the security situation surrounding Trump, as federal authorities work to understand the full scope of the recent assassination attempts. Biden’s remarks about the Secret Service’s needs suggest that more changes could be on the horizon to address the safety of former presidents.

Conclusion

President Biden and former President Trump spoke on Monday following an assassination attempt thwarted by the Secret Service near Trump’s Florida residence.

The call was described as polite, with both men expressing relief and concern over the situation. Trump, who had earlier criticized Biden and Harris for their rhetoric, emphasized the importance of his security.

The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, has been charged, and Biden hinted at the need for more robust Secret Service protection for Trump in light of these repeated threats.

The situation underscores the heightened political tensions as the nation grapples with ensuring the safety of its leaders.