President Trump does not plan to attend Thursday night’s Congressional Baseball Game due to security challenges, the White House said.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the security measures necessary for Trump to make a last-minute appearance would be too burdensome.
“While the president would like to attend the game and show his support for all of these brave public servants, he has been advised that there is not enough time to follow Secret Service protocols,” Spicer said.
{mosads}There had been speculation Trump might make an appearance at the annual game in a show of support after Wednesday’s shooting at a practice for the Republican team.
A gunman wounded House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and four others before he was shot by Capitol Police officers.
During a statement delivered at the White House, Trump called on the nation to come together in the aftermath of the “terrible” attack.
“We may have our differences, but we do well in times like these to remember everyone who serves in our nation’s capital is here because, above all, they love our country,” Trump said.
“We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans, that our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace and we are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good,” he added.
The Congressional Baseball Game pits Republicans against Democrats each summer at Nationals Park in Washington. Proceeds from ticket sales go to charity.
— Updated at 10:17 p.m.