Democrats condemn shooting at Trump rally

Top Democrats quickly condemned the apparent shooting that took place at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The apparent gunshots rang out as Trump was rallying voters in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump appeared to grab his ear before he dropped behind the lectern, and Secret Service agents swarmed on top of them. They surrounded him as he stood up, and he put a fist up to the crowd as they led him off stage. Blood could be seen on his ear.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung in a statement said Trump was “fine” and “being checked out at a local medical facility.”

“I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “Political violence has no place in our country.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) echoed in a statement on X. “I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”

“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,” former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) wrote on X. “As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said he was briefed on the incident and that Pennsylvania State Police are on the scene in Butler County, Pa., and are working with federal and local partners.

“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Shapiro added in a post on X. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said she was “horrified” by the news of the apparent shooting.

“There is no place for political violence in this country, period. This is not how we solve our differences,” she added in a post on X. “I am horrified to learn of this news, and we will be following the situation closely. I am grateful for those in law enforcement who stepped in immediately.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.), the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, wrote on X that “Political violence is unacceptable and un-American.”

“Grateful that the former President is safe. Our thoughts are with him and everyone in attendance at the rally,” he added.

The Secret Service in a statement on Saturday said Trump was safe and that the incident was being investigated. Police, meanwhile, would not immediately confirm the nature of the incident.

President Biden has been briefed on the incident, the White House said Saturday. 

Top Republicans on Capitol Hill also condemned the apparent shooting. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he was “praying” for Trump and the other rally attendees, adding “we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene.”

“I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor the developments,” he said in a post on X. “This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”

“Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement on X.