Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, is okay after being swept away at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday following a shooting, according to his campaign.
The shooter was killed and a rally attendee was also dead, Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said. The Trump campaign confirmed the former president was safe. The Associated Press reported that law enforcement is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt.
Watch: Rally attendee killed, suspected shooter dead after Trump campaign rally violence, AP reports
Trump was speaking to a crowd for a brief time before loud pops or blasts were heard. The former president appeared to grab the right side of his head or his right ear before ducking below the lectern as he was on stage.
Reactions from politicians in our area are as follows:
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) made the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"I unequivocally condemn any form of political violence. As we wait for more information, my thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump and everyone else at the rally today."
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia) made the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"There is no place for political violence in a democracy. I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally."
Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, made the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"To be clear, any form of political violence is unacceptable and disgusting. Prayers for protection and healing for the President, any innocent bystanders and for law enforcement to arrest all perpetuators associated with this monstrous attempt on Trump’s life."
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"Violence has no place in our politics or communities. I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured. - RC"
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) made the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"Please join me in praying for President Trump and everyone attending his rally in Pennsylvania today."
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin made the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"Suzanne and I are praying for President Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America."
On Sunday, Gov. Youngkin released a longer statement:
"Last night, Donald J. Trump showed us strength and courage, and he showed us compassion and gratitude. I thank God for protecting him. My heart breaks for the innocent victims and their families, and I ask every Virginian, and every American, to lift-up in prayer today all of those impacted. I also ask you to pray for our nation,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “American exceptionalism is not granted; it is earned. This test of our Republic is a moment for us to do just that, earn the mantle of being exceptional. With one voice, we must condemn this evil violence. With one voice, we must declare that America’s future will be forged by the merit of our ideas, the clarity of our calling and the fortitude to stand for what is right. With one voice, we must prove that we are worthy of the generations that fought, that died, that sacrificed so much to build this great country. Yesterday’s attempted assassination of President Trump was an action of pure evil - an afront against our morality, an afront against our liberty, an afront against the very foundations of our great nation. If we ever deem it acceptable, then we will lose our Republic. We fix this through courage, faith, and yes, love. We fix this by repairing our culture. We fix this by defending our beliefs with dignity and fortitude. We fix this by knowing God Almighty blessed this chosen land, and we will defend America against all enemies foreign and domestic. We fix this, together, by being Americans."
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement:
"Political violence has no place in our society. I am horrified by today’s shooting but am relieved that Donald Trump says he is not seriously hurt. I wish him a quick recovery and pray for those who were killed and injured at today’s rally, as well as their families."
