Mass. political leaders release condemning statements following Trump assassination attempt
Photo | Courtesy of Chris Lisinski, State House News Service
The Massachusetts State House
Within hours of surviving an attempted assassination at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, former President Donald Trump was "doing well," according to aides, and looking forward to rejoining his supporters the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin this week where he is set to become the party's 2024 presidential nominee.
In a statement, the FBI said it had identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as "the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania."
On Truth Social, Trump said he 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," Trump's post said. "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."
Trump added, "It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country."
Law enforcement said the shooter was killed, along with an adult male rally attendee. Two other adult male rally-goers were critically injured after shots were fired just after 6 p.m. Saturday at the outdoor Trump campaign rally.
In Massachusetts, officials said they were shocked, saddened and disgusted by the turn of events.
"I am horrified by the violence we witnessed yesterday," U.S. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Revere said. "My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump, his family, and the attendees who were harmed. Political violence is never acceptable and threatens our country’s most fundamental values. As deeply as Americans may disagree with one another, we are one people. We cannot allow our differences to erode peace and stability in America."
Republican Sen. Peter Durant of Spencer said he was appalled.
“The violence that unfolded today at a political rally should never, ever happen in America,” Durant said. “While I understand that we may have differing opinions, political candidates should be able to gather with their supporters without fear that those who disagree with them will resort to actions like we saw today."
House and Senate Minority Leaders Rep. Brad Jones and Sen. Bruce Tarr issued a joint statement Saturday night.
“We are appalled and sickened by the shooting that took place at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania today and relieved he is safe," Jones and Tarr said. "We condemn this senseless act of violence which has no place in our political discourse or our democracy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the innocent bystander who was killed and another seriously injured. Thank you to our U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement personnel who acted swiftly to confront this lethal threat, and to the first responders who provided emergency medical care to its victims. We are calling for unity in the face of this violent attack, which threatens our democracy and the foundational principle of free speech."
Senate President Karen Spilka said Saturday night that she was praying for the country.
"My own family sought refuge in the United States to escape political violence. There is no place for that type of violence in America. We must come together to condemn it, to see the humanity in each other, and to remember that we are all Americans who can disagree in our political discourse without wishing harm on each other," the Ashland Democrat said.
Gov. Maura Healey said "all Americans must condemn" political violence like Saturday's shooting.
"I’m grateful for the swift response from law enforcement. I’m relieved the former President appears to be safe and my thoughts are with all who were at today’s rally," the governor said.
President Joe Biden called the violence in Pennsylvania "sick."
"It's one of the reasons why we have to unite this country," Biden said. "We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this."
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