Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) urged the nation to set aside political debates and express gratitude in the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Trump.

“Amid the discontent regarding President Trump’s treatment, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on what is best for America,” he expressed on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “For today, let’s focus on our gratitude.”

The incident, which occurred on a Saturday evening, led several lawmakers to relate the assassination attempt to the political animosity faced by the former president. Senator JD Vance (R-OH), a vice presidential candidate, attributed the incident to the rhetoric used by the Biden campaign against Trump. Posting on the social media platform X, Vance stated, “The Biden campaign paints President Trump as an authoritarian fascist that must be stopped at all costs, which directly fueled the assassination attempt.”

While Senator Graham pointed out that the shooter alone is responsible for the act, he supported Vance’s comments by defending Trump’s political stance. “President Trump is not a fascist. Winning the election won’t end democracy. He echoes the sentiments of millions,” Graham noted.

Graham also commented on the heightened political rhetoric, describing it as “excessively heated.”

During the incident, Graham shared a personal note, revealing he was scheduled to play golf with Trump the following Sunday morning. He delivered a heartfelt message to Trump during the broadcast, saying, “I’m grateful you weren’t injured more severely, and I love you.”

The assassination attempt unfolded at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, around 6:15 p.m. A bullet grazed Trump’s ear during the attack. The FBI reported that the shooter and one rally attendee were killed, with two other attendees suffering critical injuries.