'I believe in America': Fired-up Biden uses State of the Union to skewer GOP

The president made the case for why he deserves a second term.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Tal Axelrod, Meredith Deliso, and Leah Sarnoff
Last Updated: March 7, 2024, 7:00 PM EST

President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday night.

The speech provided Biden one of his biggest audiences of the year as he made his case for a second term and contrasted his vision of the country's future with Republicans ahead of what's expected to be a lengthy general election fight with former President Donald Trump.

ABC News live-blogged every major moment and highlight from the speech, with 538 providing analysis and a closer look at the polling and data behind the politicians.

Key moments:

Here's how the news developed.
Mar 07, 2024, 10:20 PM EST

Heckler removed after apparently shouting about Abbey Gate attack

Late into Biden's remarks, a man was removed from the upper area of the House chamber after shouting out repeatedly.

The man appeared to be yelling about the Marines who were killed in the Abbey Gate bombing at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.

Biden's handling of the American exit was criticized by many at the time, though he has defended ending the protracted and divisive war.

-ABC News' Adam Carlson

During Biden's speech, Steven K. Nikoui could be heard yelling, "Abbey Gate."
0:21

Father of Marine killed in 2021 interrupts Biden during State of the Union

During Biden's speech, Steven K. Nikoui could be heard yelling, "Abbey Gate."
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Mar 07, 2024, 10:34 PM EST

Biden addresses killing of Laken Riley while discussing border policy

Biden departed from his prepared remarks while discussing his border policy after the name Laken Riley was called out, as some in the GOP have blamed the White House's handling of immigration for Riley's death.

The 22-year-old Georgia nursing student was killed last month -- allegedly by a Venezuelan migrant whom officials say was illegally in the U.S.

President Joe Biden holds up a Laken Riley button as he delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Mar. 7, 2024, in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/AP

"Laken Riley! An innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal," Biden said while holding up a Laken Riley pin.

Addressing her parents, he said. "My heart goes out to you having lost children myself."

He said Republicans owe it to Americans to "get this bill done," referring to a Senate agreement to tighten immigration restrictions, which some conservatives say is insufficient to fix the problem.

Mar 07, 2024, 10:29 PM EST

Biden calls for gun reform: "Stop it"

Biden reiterated his call for Congress to enact stricter gun reform, including banning high-capacity magazines and assault rifles -- while swiping at former President Donald Trump.

"After another school shooting in Iowa [Trump] said we should just 'get over it.' I say we must stop it," Biden said.

"I’m demanding a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines! Pass universal background checks! None of this violates the Second Amendment or vilifies responsible gun owners."

Mar 07, 2024, 10:29 PM EST

Biden's wish list: Equality Act, voting rights, minimum wage and more

Biden reiterated his calls for several policies at the heart of his domestic agenda, though they are unlikely to become law in this divided Congress.

He urged lawmakers to pass the Equality Act, which would prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community; the PRO Act, which would protect workers' rights; and the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to bolster voting rights.

"And raise the federal minimum wage because every worker has the right to earn a decent living," he said.