KALAMAZOO (WWJ) -- Vice President Kamala Harris was in Michigan Wednesday, speaking for the first time about the assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump.
"I've not had a chance yet to, to publicly talk about it, but I will say a few words about the attempt on the life of former President Trump over the weekend," Harris said, during a campaign stop in Kalamazoo.
"As we all know it was a heinous, horrible and cowardly act," she continued. "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, the Vice President said, is that no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in public office.
"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," Harris said. "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."
The VP's remarks came before a moderated discussion regarding reproductive health with former Trump administration official Olivia Troye and reproductive rights advocate Amanda Stratton at Air Zoo.
On the topic at hand, Harris stressed that reproductive rights will be on the ballot in the upcoming presidential election. And it's something everyone, she said, should think about.
"We believe in the right of people to make basic decisions, like when and if they will start a family and how," Harris said.
"You know, in traveling the country part of what I point out is — which is what we all know — regardless of your gender, think about this: If we, in this year of our Lord, 2024, have a state of being where the government can tell you what to do with your body... I mean, the most basic of things you should have control over? Everybody better watch out about what other freedoms you're taking for granted."
Speaking to WWJ's Ryan Wrecker ahead of Harris' visit, Tim Golding with the conservative group Americans for Prosperity Michigan said he thinks the Biden-Harris administration is out of touch with Michiganders' real concerns, including the cost of gas and groceries.
When they go shopping, he said Michiganders are forced to decide whether they want to buy bacon or eggs, because they can no longer afford both.
"Those are not problems we should be facing we should be facing as Michiganders," Golding said. "You know, a few years ago we were energy independent, people had more a lot more money in their pocket, and that in turn stimulates the economy and everybody does better when there's less government mandates, less government intrusion in our lives. And that stuff can be fixed, can be changed with a new administration."
Trump will campaign in Grand Rapids this weekend.