Trump's VP contender JD Vance blames shooting on Biden's 'rhetoric' as other possible VEEP picks show public support as anticipation reaches fever pitch on who he'll select this week

The group of potential vice presidential candidate picks for former President Donald Trump are rallying behind the ex-president after the assassination attempt on Saturday with some blaming Biden and Democrats in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

The former president could reveal his GOP running mate at any time as the Republican National Convention kicks off Monday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

It is not yet clear who Trump is leaning toward or how he will share with the world who he has picked. Before the horrific events unfolded Saturday, some campaign aides joked on numerous occasions that only Trump knows that. 

But all of the key contenders who have been mentioned over the past few weeks expressed their support for Trump and outrage over the violence that took place. 

'Trump campaign saying the president is OK. Thank God. Hope everyone else is safe,' wrote Ohio Senator JD Vance on X shortly after the shooting.

Top VP contender Senator JD Vance blamed Biden campaign rhetoric for the assassination attempt on Donald Trump while another potential pick Senator Tim Scott went after Democrats

'Today is not just some isolated incident,' Vance also wrote. 'The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination.'

The move to blame the assassination attempt Saturday night on Trump's political opponent was met with pushback online as critics called the post dangerous and irresponsible. 

Vance is seen as potentially the top contender for Trump's running mate in recent days after it was confirmed Trump's son Don Jr. who is an ally of Vance would speak ahead of the vice presidential pick at the convention. 

Ohio Senator JD Vance blamed Biden's 'rhetoric' in a post on X after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump

'Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today,' wrote another potential pick Florida Senator Marco Rubio after the shooting on X. 

The Republican senator had appeared alongside Trump on stage just days ago at his campaign rally in Doral, Florida on Tuesday.

'God protected President Trump,' Rubio wrote in another post with the image of Trump raising his fist in the air. 

The Florida Senator also went after the media criticizing them for their early headlines as news outlets were still trying it figure out exactly what was happening in the immediate aftermath of shots ringing out.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio speaking before Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Doral, FL on July 9, 2024 

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgun praised Trump as stronger than his enemies in a post

North Dakota Governor and onetime presidential candidate Doug Burgun, whose name is also in contention and has been a top surrogate for Trump, also shared his response on X. 

'Please join Kathryn and me in praying for President Trump, his family and everyone attending the rally today,' Burgun wrote. 'We all know President Trump is stronger than his enemies. Today he showed it.' 

 South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said he was praying for Trump and everyone at the rally, writing 'May God watch over them all.' But GOP senator also slammed Democrats after the assassination attempt late Saturday. 

'Congressman Scalise, Justice Kavanaugh, and now President Trump. For years, Democrats and their allies in the media have recklessly stoked fears, calling President Trump and other conservatives threats to democracy. Their inflammatory rhetoric puts lives at risk,' Scott wrote on X.

He did not mention any examples of political violence against Democrats which have also taken place in recent years including an attack on the husband of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in 2022.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott went after Democrats claiming they 'recklessly stoked fears' after the shooting in Butler, PA

Trump's opponent President Biden spoke Saturday night just hours after the assassination attempt where he condemned the political violence.

'There's no place in America this kind of violence. It's sick. It's sick,' he said. 'It's one of the reasons we have to unite this country.'

The White House also confirmed Biden and Trump spoke directly by phone after the shooting.