Elected and non-elected officials have responded after what appeared to be an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally Saturday evening in Butler, about an hour outside Pittsburgh.
The shooting happened at a crowded outdoor rally in the Keystone State less than 48 hours before the Republican National Convention is set to begin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Video from campaign event shows Trump bringing his hand to the right side of his face and ducking behind the podium just after several gunshots and screams were heard. U.S. Secret Service agents quickly surrounded the former president, were joined by officers with tactical gear, and escorted him off the stage to an armored SUV.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter was killed, per various reports.
One rally-goer was killed, and two others were badly hurt, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear,” said Trump, who also sent condolences to the victim and thanked law enforcement.
Trump was checked at Butler Memorial Hospital, and his motorcade left around 9 p.m., according to The Butler Eagle newspaper.
The suspected shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue,” said U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.
The incident has prompted reactions from officials across the political spectrum, who have condemned the violence.
Statement from President Joe Biden:
“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 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.”
Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris:
“Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting.
“We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action.
“Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
Statement from former President Trump:
“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Statement from U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat:
“Political violence is never acceptable and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement.”
Statement from U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat:
Statement from Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat:
Statement from Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry:
“I am deeply disturbed by this act of violence that has absolutely no place in the Commonwealth or anywhere.
“My regards are with the families who will be forever impacted by this heinous act.
“I am hopeful for a speedy recovery for former President Trump.
“We are in contact with our law enforcement partners and will work cooperatively with them.”
Statement from Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican:
“Praying for President Trump, his family, all in attendance at the rally, and our country. Political violence has no justification or any place in America—against anyone, for any reason, at any time.”
Statement from Ashley Ehasz, the Democrat running for the First Congressional District:
“As a combat veteran who has seen the impact of political violence, I unequivocally condemn today’s violence against former president Donald Trump. I call for those responsible to be held accountable swiftly and wish for a full recovery for those injured.
“Violence is never the answer.”
Statement from State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat and head of the county Democratic party:
“I join our whole community in wishing former President Trump a speedy recovery from this evening’s incident in Butler County. I thank the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their bravery in acting quickly to protect the former president and those in attendance at the event.
“Political violence has no place in our democracy. All Americans should unite in condemning this act and in speaking out against threats of future violence.”
Statement from the Bucks County Democratic Committee:
“In the wake of the shooting this evening in Butler County, the Bucks County Democratic Party is thankful that former President Trump is safe and doing well by all reports. Let us all keep in our prayers anyone who may have been seriously injured as a result of this act.
“We thank the Secret Service and other members of law enforcement at the scene for their bravery and swift action to protect the former president and the members of the public who were attending the event.
“Political violence has no place in our democratic society and all Americans should be united in condemning this horrible act and in speaking with one voice against the threat of similar actions in the future.”
Statement from the Bucks County Republican Committee:
“We are thankful to hear President Trump is doing well! Praying for those who were injured and the family who lost a loved one today.”
Statement from State Rep. Joe Hogan, a Republican:
“Like many, I have been watching the reports come out of Butler, PA and am horrified of this brazen attempt to assasinate a former and current candidate for President of the United States.
“Political violence has no place in our Democracy.
“I wish the best for former President Trump and praying for the families of those that lost their lives today.
“May this be a reminder that we all need to turn down the inciting rhetoric.”
Statement from State Rep. Kristin Marcell, a Republican:
“Today’s violence in Butler, PA is simply unacceptable. A special thank you to the Secret Service, law enforcement and first responders who stood up for our citizens as they always do, and my prayers for President Trump and any other victims of this horrible event.”
