A gunman tried to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, apparently grazing his ear and setting off a wave of reaction from Keystone State politicians.
At least one person attending the Butler, Pa. campaign rally was killed, as was the shooter. Trump posted on social media that he was OK.
“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!”
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick was at the rally preparing to go onstage when the shots were fired. He told Fox News the scene was “very chaotic” and estimated the crowd at 15,000 people.
“The crowd just sort of, you know, went to the ground, and the Secret Service came and very quickly tackled the president.”
McCormick was uncertain which direction the shots came from or whether there was more than one weapon.
“Sadly, someone behind me up in the bleachers was definitely wounded. And there was a lot of blood. The police came in and helped carry that person out of the stands so they could get the care they needed.”
“I was sitting to President Trump’s right as he was facing the crowd,” said McCormick, an Army combat veteran. “And I was in the front row. I felt like some of the shots came from the left side.”
“There were seven or eight shots,” he said.
Asked if Trump was lucky to be alive, McCormick said, “Yeah, absolutely. I think so.”
A photo released after the shooting showing a bullet narrowly missing Trump’s head appears to back up McCormick’s view.
“It was a very scary moment,” he added.
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, who’s been mentioned as a potential fill in if President Joe Biden drops out of the race, posted a statement on social media.
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. Pennsylvania state police are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.”
Many Pennsylvanians reacted with shock and concern.
State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) said, “The resilience of America must overcome any gutless acts of violence. Praying for President Trump, his family, and any innocent victims and their families who may have been harmed by this senseless act. Thank you to the Secret Service, law enforcement, and emergency responders who assisted in keeping things safe and calm. God Bless America.”
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) said on X, “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. We will find this person/people, and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Also on X, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) said on X, “I’m heartened to hear that it appears the former President is safe after today’s attack in PA. I want to thank the Secret Service for their quick and decisive actions. There is still a great deal that we don’t know, but what we all do know is that there is no place for violence.”
Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.), also on X, said, “I am monitoring the situation at President Trump’s rally in Butler, and I’ve reached out to the State Police to offer support. Political violence is never acceptable, and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement.”
David Winkler, the Republican running against Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery), said, “I pray for President Trump’s safety & wellbeing, & I also pray for America as a whole. We will rise up a stronger and more united than ever. My opponent, Madeleine Dean, is complicit with her divisive rhetoric. We need to elect leaders who will chill the divisions & unify our country.” Dean reposted Shapiro’s quote on X.
“This is a somber day for our nation. My prayers are with President Trump and any other families that have been affected. I’m thankful for the swift and heroic response of law enforcement who undoubtedly saved countless lives today,” said Neil Young, the Republican running against Houlahan.
Alfeia Goodwin said, “As a Republican Congressional Candidate for the 5th Congressional District and a Trump47 Team Captain, I am deeply disheartened and disturbed by the violence taken against President Trump this evening in Butler, Pennsylvania. President Trump is a fighter who fights the good fight. I am praying for the safety and strength of him and his family.”
Goodwin’s opponent, U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Delaware), had not released a statement by press time.
Ashley Ehasz, the Democrat who is running against Fitzpatrick, said on X, “As a 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.”
Trump’s campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, said on X, “Well, of course, they tried to keep him off the ballot, they tried to put him in jail, and now you see this.”
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