Biden spoke to former president Trump; returns to White House
Chicago (PTI): US President Joe Biden Saturday night spoke with his predecessor and Republican rival Donald Trump, hours after he survived an assassination attempt on him.
Trump, 78, was hit by a bullet in the upper part of his right ear when the suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, the US Secret Service said.
The attacker killed one spectator at the rally, and two others were critically injured.
“This evening, President Biden spoke to former President Trump. The President also spoke to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy,” the White House said.
Biden was spending time this weekend at his home in Delaware but returned to the White House past midnight.
“Tomorrow morning at the White House, he will receive an updated briefing from homeland security and law enforcement officials,” the White House said.
Biden went on to thank the Secret Service and all the law enforcement agencies involved in responding to the shooting.
President Biden was in Delaware attending church when the shooting occurred.
He was briefed by Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The FBI said it has assumed the role of the lead Federal Law Enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
