Live updates on second apparent Trump assassination attempt

 In a since-deleted post, billionaire “X” owner Elon Musk wrote that, “No one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Harris,” a post that sparked outrage and concern. 

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates called the rhetoric “irresponsible.” 

“As President Biden and Vice President Harris said after yesterday’s disturbing news, ‘there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,’ and ‘we all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,'” Bates said in a statement. “Violence should only be condemned, never encouraged or joked about. This rhetoric is irresponsible.”

Trump told Fox News Digital on Monday that he believes “the rhetoric of Biden and Harris” is what is causing him to be “shot at.”

Trump blamed the “combination of rhetoric and lawsuits they wrap me up in,” saying “these are the things that dangerous fools” listen to —  “and the same with the first one,” he added, referring to the July 13 shooting at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

“He believed the rhetoric of Biden and Harris, and he acted on it,” Trump said, although investigators have not yet commented on the suspect’s possible motive. “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country”

Trump mentioned Mr. Biden and Harris’ comments that he is a “threat to democracy,” saying they are the “opposite” of unity leaders.

Routh was charged in federal court on Monday with two firearm offenses, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and obliterating the serial number on a firearm. Additional charges related to the apparent assassination attempt could come later.

If convicted on the two firearms charges, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years.

He was questioned by the judge to determine his eligibility for a public defender. He told the court that he has a job that pays $3,000 per month, but when asked whether he has any other assets, he replied that he had “zero funds.” He said he has two trucks in Hawaii that are worth about $1,000. And when asked about dependents, he replied that he has a 25-year-old son. The judge appointed a public defender to represent Routh.

Routh’s initial appearance in court was brief, just under 10 minutes. He appeared in court in a blue jail-issued jumpsuit and was shackled and handcuffed. His demeanor was very relaxed, despite the gravity of the charges, and he smiled and laughed at times with his lawyer.

The government will ask for pre-trial detention, asserting that Routh is a flight risk and a danger to the community. His bond hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 23. And his probable cause hearing will be Sept. 30.

Trump is taking a break from the campaign trail Monday, but is scheduled to host a town hall in Michigan Tuesday. It will be Trump’s first public event after Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa has more in the video below.

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said on Sunday night that suspect Ryan Wesley Routh will face federal charges, rather than state charges. He is expected to appear in court Monday morning in Florida.

Trump, who is still at his home in Florida, is expected to meet later Monday with the Secret Service’s acting director, sources familiar with the meeting confirmed to CBS News. 

Ronald L. Rowe Jr.  has been the acting director of the Service since July 23, when the former director, Kim Cheatle, resigned after the attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

President Biden told reporters Monday morning that the Secret Service “needs more help,” and Congress must make sure the agency receives whatever it needs. 

He also expressed gratitude that Trump is safe. 

“Thank God the president’s OK,” Mr. Biden told reporters on the White House South Lawn Monday morning. “I think we got a full report so far.”

“One thing I want to make clear,” he continued. “The Service needs more help. And I think that Congress should respond to their needs if they in fact need more service people. So that’s what we’re going to be talking about.”

The president suggested that whether that help means more personnel, more funding or both would be determined. 

Routh was passionate about supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia and traveled to Kyiv in 2022. CBS News’ Holly Williams was in contact with him for more than a year in the early stages of the war in Ukraine, which she’s covered extensively. They spoke at least once on the phone and texted frequently. Routh put Williams in touch with several foreign fighters.

See more about his history in the video below.