Republican and Democratic leaders in the D.C. area are decrying a shooting that’s being investigated as an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania Saturday.
The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was cut short after gunshots rang through the crowd. At least one person was killed and two were critically hurt, authorities said. The Secret Service said it killed the suspected shooter and that Trump was safe.
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Trump was escorted off the stage by Secret Service, with what appeared to be blood on his ear and face. Officials say the former president is safe.
In the aftermath, elected officials around D.C., Maryland and Virginia are wishing Trump a speedy recovery and condemning political violence.
Mayor Muriel Bowser: ‘The scourge of gun violence’
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement on social media late Saturday that she was being briefed on the incident by D.C. Chief of Police Pamela Smith.
“Praying for our nation and all those impacted by today’s shooting at former President Trump’s event in Butler,” she wrote in part.
Praying for our nation and all those impacted by today’s shooting at former President Trump’s event in Butler, PA. Chief Smith has briefed me and will remain in close contact with our federal partners related to any concerns known to DC’s security environment.
We wish President…
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) July 14, 2024
“We wish President Trump the best. The scourge of gun violence and political violence in our nation must end,” Bowser said.
The city leader said that Smith would also remain in close contact with federal partners and continue to provide updates to the mayor as things develop.
“Out of an abundance of caution, MPD has increased police presence across the city. While there are no known threats to the District of Columbia, we urge our community to remain vigilant and help keep our community safe,” D.C. police said in a statement Saturday evening.
Maryland Gov. Moore: ‘Our nation is and must be better than this’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a social media post that he condemns “in the strongest possible terms what has happened in Pennsylvania today to President Donald Trump,” adding that “political violence is never acceptable.”
I condemn in the strongest possible terms what has happened in Pennsylvania today to President Donald Trump.
Political violence is never acceptable. Ever. This kind of cowardice must be roundly condemned by all Americans. We have to be a country that can learn to disagree without …
— Gov. Wes Moore (@iamwesmoore) July 13, 2024
“There is no place for political violence or violence of any kind in our nation,” Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen said in a social media statement. “I’m relieved the former president is safe and keeping all in attendance in my thoughts. Grateful for law enforcement’s quick response.”
Sen. Ben Cardin, also a Democrat from Maryland, echoed Van Hollen’s statement, writing on social media: “I condemn all acts of political violence. There should be no place for violent acts in our nation or anywhere.”
Republican Senate candidate and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan shared on social media that he is praying for the safety of Trump and all rally attendees. He also called for political violence to be “universally condemned” among Americans.
“America is a tinderbox right now,” he wrote. “This must stop.”
Democratic Senate candidate and Prince George’s County, Maryland, Executive Angela Alsbrooks expressed a similar sentiment online, writing that political violence “has no place in America.”
As a nation, we must come together and condemn this kind of political violence.
It has no place in America. Our prayers are with President Donald Trump.
— Angela Alsobrooks (@AlsobrooksForMD) July 13, 2024
Virginia Gov. Youngkin: ‘Praying for America’
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said, also on social media, that he and his wife, Suzanne, are “praying for President Donald Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) wrote on social media that he is “deeply concerned by this situation” and “praying for President Donald Trump and everyone at today’s event.”
Kaine’s Republican challenger in Virginia’s 2024 Senate election, Hung Cao, posted on social media: “Where the hell is Joe Biden?”
President Joe Biden said Saturday that “everybody must condemn” the suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, The Associated Press reported.
Addressing the nation about two hours after the shooting, Biden said he was relieved that Trump is reportedly “doing well.” He said he had been unable to reach Trump before his remarks, but the White House said he did speak to Trump several hours later.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) posted on social media that he is “monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.”
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.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) July 13, 2024
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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