Americans were shocked on Saturday to see an assassination attempt made against former President, and current Presidential hopeful, Donald Trump.
The attack prompted a rare moment of bipartisan agreement – as both Democratic and Republican politicians rushed to condemn the violent act. Keep reading to see how some of America’s most prominent politicians reacted.
Pelosi: Sympathy, Understanding and Common Ground
Former House Speaker and one of Trump’s loudest opponents during his presidency, Nancy Pelosi was quick to condemn the assassination attempt.
Pelosi, whose family was previously the victim of a politically-motivated violent attack, Tweeted, “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.”
Biden Addresses The Nation
Following the shooting, the President of the United States, Joe Biden addressed the nation, saying, “The idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this, is just unheard of. It’s just not appropriate. I mean everybody—everybody must condemn it,”
After being asked on Saturday evening if he thought the attack represented an assassination attempt, Biden said he had an “opinion” on the matter, but didn’t have sufficient facts to make a definitive call at the time.
Mike Johnson: “Turn The Rhetoric Down”
On Twitter, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Our prayers remain with President Trump, those injured at yesterday’s rally, and the family of the individual who lost their life.” He shared a link to a GoFundMe page set up to support the shooting victims.
“We’re all Americans, and we have to treat one another with dignity and respect,” said Johnson in a later interview, while condemning Biden for his rhetoric.
Chuck Schumer “Horrified”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Tweeted, “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe.”
Schumer added, “Political violence has no place in our country.”
Mitch McConnell Expresses Gratitude
“Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally,” said Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell.
He added, “Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement.”
Democrats’ Hakeem Jeffries Expresses Thanks
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response,” said Democratic House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries.
In a Tweet addressing the shooting, he added, “America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
AOC Extends Sympathies
“My heart goes out to all the victims and I wish the former President a speedy recovery,” said progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a Tweet.
She added, “There is no place for political violence, including the horrific incident we just witnessed in Pennsylvania. It is absolutely unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms.”
Vice President Harris Briefed
“I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania. 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,” Tweeted Vice President Kamala Harris.
She added, “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.
Trump Responds To Being Shot
On his social media app Truth Social, Trump confirmed that he had been “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear”. He said he “knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.”
Trump offered condolences to the other victims of the shooting and added, “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.”
