Lawmakers, Party Chairs React to Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

Reaction is coming in from lawmakers on the violence during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania for former President Donald Trump. The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt. 

Erie County Democratic Party chair Sam Talarico issued this statement Sunday:

We strongly condemn this act of violence against Donald Trump and firmly stand against any form of political violence. Such actions undermine the democratic process and the principles of peaceful discourse that are foundational to our society. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this time.

Pa. Attorney General Michelle Henry said the following: 

“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.”

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly also reacted to the shooting at the rally. 

My family, myself and my team were in attendance for tonight’s rally in Butler with President Trump. We are safe and we are praying for Mr. Trump and everyone involved. Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action.

My family, myself and my team were in attendance for tonight’s rally in Butler with President Trump. We are safe and we are praying for Mr. Trump and everyone involved. Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action.

— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) July 14, 2024

Senator Dan Laughlin tweeted his reaction to the shooting: 

There are no defensible words for what happened today in Butler. Politics should never escalate to such a level. I pray for our country, President Trump, and the safety of those present at today’s rally.

There are no defensible words for what happened today in Butler. Politics should never escalate to such a level. I pray for our country, President Trump, and the safety of those present at today’s rally.

— Senator Dan Laughlin (@senatorlaughlin) July 13, 2024

Pa. Governor Josh Shapiro said the following in response to today's act of violence: 

Violence against any political party or leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or in our country. I am aware of the situation. Pennsylvania State Police are on the scene in Butler County and we are working with our federal and local partners.

Lori and I are praying for President Trump, the Secret Service officers who protected him, the people who attended the event, and all the first responders still on the scene.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Senator Sharif Street also a statement on the shooting in Butler: 

My prayers are with Donald Trump, and all the victims of today’s gun violence at the Trump Rally in Butler, Pa. I am grateful to law enforcement and the Secret Service who acted quickly to prevent further loss of life.

I am grateful to law enforcement and the Secret Service who acted quickly to prevent further loss of life.

We as the Pennsylvania Democratic Party categorically condemn any form of violence towards any party or political candidate. It has no place in America.

This unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for reform of our nation’s gun laws and is a stark reminder of the impact firearms can have on our communities.

As a nation, we must consider meaningful reforms that prioritize public safety and mitigate the proliferation of firearms in our communities.

Red flag laws and universal background checks are imperative. We have too many guns in the hands of those without the temperament and discernment to possess them.

While we navigate this difficult moment, we must be vigilant in ensuring the safety and security of all Americans.

La violencia contra cualquier partido o líder político es absolutamente inaceptable. No tiene lugar en Pennsylvania o en nuestro país.

Estoy informado sobre la situación. La Policía Estatal de Pennsylvania está en el lugar del incidente en el condado de Butler y estamos…

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 13, 2024