PORTAGE, Mich — Vice President Kamala Harris stopped in Portage Wednesday for a presidential campaign event highlighting reproductive rights.
Before sitting down with former Trump-Pence administration official Olivia Troye and Michigan mother Amanda Stratton for a moderated conversation, Harris addressed the assassination attempt on former President Trump this last weekend.
In her first remarks about the attempt, Harris called the act "heinous, horrible and cowardly."
'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. The bottom line is, no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in public office," Harris told the crowd in Kalamazoo before addressing the man killed and the two injured at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania.
"Our heart goes out to the family of Corey Comperatore, a true hero who died protecting his family. And Doug and I, of course, are 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," Harris continued.
Harris went on to say that she believes the United States of America is the greatest democracy in the world but after the attempted assassination of Trump, a question is raised about how to engage with political rivals during a campaign.
"On Sunday evening, our President, Joe Biden, issued a call for unity, and there must be unity around the idea that while our nation's history has been scarred by political violence, violence is never acceptable. There can be no equivocation about that," Harris said. "At the same time, the hallmark of American democracy, the hallmark of any democracy is a strong competition of ideas policies and a vision for the future. And just as we must reject political violence, we must also embrace a robust discussion about what is at stake in this election, the surest way to reaffirm the strength of our democracy is by engaging in a vigorous and civil exchange of ideas."
After sharing her first public comment on the attempted assassination of Trump, Harris joined Troye and Stratton on the stage for a moderated talk about reproductive rights.
On Saturday, former President Donald Trump along with his newly announced running mate JD Vance will host a campaign rally in Grand Rapids on Saturday.