Biden speaks with Trump after 2nd assassination attempt, condemns violence

President Joe Biden spoke with former president Donald Trump after his second assassination attempt.

White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons posted on social media that the president "conveyed his relief that he [Trump] is safe." 

"The two shared a cordial conversation and former President Trump expressed his thanks for the call," the post read.

RELATED: Trump's apparent assassination attempt at Florida golf course: What we know so far

Earlier Monday, Biden condemned the assassination attempt, and praised the Secret Service for their "expert handling of the situation," according to FOX News

"In America, we resolve our differences peacefully at the ballot box, not at the end of a gun," Biden said. "America has suffered too many times at the tragedy of an assassin's bullet. It solved nothing and just tears the country apart."

Trump safe after 2nd assassination attempt 

Trump was deemed safe after an apparent assassination attempt while playing golf in Florida – two months after another attempt on his life at a rally in Pennsylvania.

The incident happened at Trump International Golf Club, located about 4.5 miles inland from his famed Mar-a-Lago club. 

RELATED: Florida to launch investigation into Donald Trump assassination attempt, Gov. Ron DeSantis says

U.S. Secret Service agents protecting the Republican presidential nominee at one of his golf courses in West Palm Beach fired at a man pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope. Local authorities said the gunman was about 400 yards to 500 yards away from Trump and hiding in shrubbery.

Ryan Wesley Routh: Who is the alleged suspect?

Law enforcement officials said the man who pointed the rifle and was arrested was 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh

He was arrested in a neighboring county within minutes of authorities putting out a "very urgent" alert detailing his vehicle, license plate number and description of him.

READ MORE: Ryan Routh: Who is the alleged suspect in the Trump assassination attempt in Florida?

Monday morning, Routh appeared briefly in a courtroom in West Palm Beach and was charged with federal gun crimes, including: 

  • Possessing a firearm despite being a convicted felon
  • Possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number

Routh lived in North Carolina for most of his life before moving in 2018 to Kaaawa, Hawaii, where he and his son operated a company building sheds, according to the Associated Press, citing an archived version of the webpage for the business and other online records.

What has Trump said? 

In an email to supporters, Trump said: "There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!"

His running mate, JD Vance, and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said they spoke with Trump after the incident, and both said he was in "good spirits."

Late Sunday, Trump posted a message on social media thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for keeping him safe, calling them "brave and dedicated Patriots," adding that it was "certainly an interesting day!"