Political leaders across the United States expressed horror Saturday night over reports that gunshots were fired during Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Republican and Democratic leaders, including Trump’s political rival and President Joe Biden condemned the incident. Biden conveyed relief over the former President’s safety, saying there’s “no place for this kind of violence in America” and he’s “grateful to hear that Trump is safe”.
“I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information…. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” Biden said in a post on social media X.
I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
Jill and I are grateful to the Secret…
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2024
Trump on social media has said that the bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear,” resulting in “much bleeding.” He was hurried off the stage by Secret Service personnel, and taken to a medical centre. The unidentified gunman is reported to be dead, while another attendee was killed during the incident.
Vice President Kamala Harris also denounced the “abhorrent” attack, saying “we must all do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.” She also expressed gratitude and praised the the swift action by the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities.
Other notable officials, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama offered support to Trump and condemned the attack.
Obama said, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024
“Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response,” wrote George W. Bush on X.
Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr said he had spoken to his father over phone, saying he was in “great spirits”. “He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him,” Trump Jr. said in a statement.
Meanwhile, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement: “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe.”
In 2022, Pelosi’s husband was attacked with a hammer by a man who broke into their home.
Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, criticised the violence in his home state, saying “I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler.”
“I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump,” he said in a post on X.
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