Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said on Sunday that the person who should be blamed for the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, the individual who shot the presumptive Republican nominee at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Graham made the remarks during an interview on NBC News’ “Meet The Press” with host Kristen Welker while talking about the tragic shooting in which at least one Trump supporter was killed and two more were critically injured.

“I’ve been worried about this for a very, very long time,” Graham said. “You know, if he wins, democracy is not going to end. He’s not a fascist. He represents a point of view that millions share. The rhetoric is way too hot. But I was just grateful that he made it. I mean, fate stepped in, God, the hand of God, call it whatever you’d like. But let’s don’t forget, there is a man who lost his life by attending a political rally. He’s dead. His life came to end.”

“Other people are hurt. Who to blame? Let’s blame the shooter,” he added. “But let’s all try to do better. I can tell you one thing about President Trump: he is very determined to get this country back on track. And his initial reaction, after being shot, will be an iconic moment in American history. Literally bleeding from a gunshot wound, he raised his fist. Don’t give up. Keep going.”

Graham added that Trump needs to pick someone for vice president who “is ready on day one, that can help him win, that can grow the map.”

WATCH:

WATCH: “I wish I could say I was surprised, but I’ve been worried about this for a very, very long time,” Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC (R) told #MTP after the shooting at fmr. President Trump’s rally.

“The rhetoric is way too hot, but I was just grateful that he made it.” pic.twitter.com/Go6FvJ7pks

— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) July 14, 2024