'No one trying to assassinate Biden/Harris': Elon Musk deletes tweet after severe backlash

Amid outrage by netizens, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has deleted a tweet he posted on X hours after an assassination attempt was made on Donald Trump in Florida.

Musk had posted: "And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala". Along with the tweet, he posted an emoji with a pondering expression.

Musk's post sparked shocked reactions from various political figures and commentators.

A grassroots political group, DemsMight, labeled Musk’s post as "literally incitement".

Former Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) criticised Musk, describing his statement as "unhinged and dangerous" and suggested the billionaire should "get help".

Conservative commentator Jonah Goldberg also condemned Musk's comments, calling them "appalling and indefensible".

Facing backlash, Musk deleted the offending tweet.

In a follow-up post, the billionaire said: "Well, one lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on X."

On Sunday, an apparent assassination attempt was made on former President Donald Trump while he was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. This incident follows a previous attempt on his life at a rally in Pennsylvania in July. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed, and the suspect was apprehended.

The would-be assassin has been identified as Ryan Wesley Routh and is described as a white male in his mid-60s. He was found with two backpacks and a Go-Pro camera was also found with the firearm near the perimeter from where the suspect had fled.