How North Carolina leaders are reacting to the attempted assassination of Trump
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have swiftly condemned what is now being investigated as an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
On Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman fired shots during a rally at former President Donald Trump in what is now being investigated as an attempted assassination.
Trump said in a statement that a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear and that he “immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.” Around 6:15 p.m., shots came from outside the rally venue, where a gunman with a rifle was perched on a rooftop located outside the rally venue.
One spectator was killed and two others were critically injured, according to a statement from the Secret Service. Secret Service personnel killed the gunman.
In North Carolina, lawmakers across party lines swiftly condemned the attack. Here’s what they had to say:
Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis:
“This was a heinous assassination attempt and thank God that President Trump is safe. Keep praying for those who were shot. Violence in our political system can never be tolerated.”
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Budd:
“We continue to pray for President Trump and those who were shot in the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. The hysterical and incendiary rhetoric directed at President Trump is fueling this un-American political violence. It must stop.”
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper:
“Violence has no place in our politics or communities. I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured.”
Republican Lt. Gov. and Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson:
“We are watching the tragic events unfold with former President Donald Trump. We are praying for his speedy recovery and that all involved in the incident will be well. We see what’s happening here in America right now. Passions are inflamed on both sides of the aisle, but please, let’s all remember who we are.
“We are Americans, and let’s unify in the fact that violence has no place in political discourse. We must remain calm, we must remain steadfast, and we must remain unified on at least that point. For the safety of our country and our citizens and for our republic as a whole, we need calm, we need peace and we need to realize violence has no place in political discourse.”
Democratic Attorney General and Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Stein:
“I am outraged by what happened tonight at President Trump’s rally. Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in America. I pray for his health and am grateful he was able to walk off the stage tonight. I appreciate the Secret Service and law enforcement for their immediate response.
“I am also praying for our deeply divided country. People should be able to have differing opinions without fear of violence or threats.”
Republican Senate Leader Phil Berger:
“Praying for President Trump and our nation.”
Republican House Speaker Tim Moore:
“My prayers are with President Trump and everyone in attendance at his rally today.”
Democratic Congressman Don Davis (NC-01):
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald J. Trump, his family, and all victims of this horrific act. I’m grateful for the quick response of the Secret Service and law enforcement community. Political violence is never acceptable under any circumstances, and I strongly denounce this act.”
Republican Congressional Candidate Laurie Buckhout (NC-01):
“Pray for President Donald Trump. Pray for our country.”
Democratic Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02):
“I join leaders from both parties in expressing relief that former President Trump is safe and well, and I am thankful for the swift response from law enforcement. In America, political violence of any kind is unacceptable.”
Republican Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03):
“Today is a grave day in American history. While the news is still unfolding, I am deeply shaken by the likely assassination attempt on President Trump on the campaign trail. I’m grateful that he was capable of walking off the stage, and thank law enforcement for their swift action.
“My prayers are with President Trump, his family, his staff, and for this nation.”
Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05):
“Pray for President Trump!”
Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06):
“I condemn the attack against former President Trump at a Pennsylvania rally today. I’m relieved the former President appears to be okay and am grateful for law enforcement’s swift response.
“As we await more details, one thing is clear - political violence has no place in America.”
Republican Congressional Candidate Addison McDowell (NC-06):
“Pray for President Trump.”
Republican Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07):
“Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania.”
Republican Congressman and Attorney General Candidate Dan Bishop (NC-08):
“Please pray for President Trump and all of those attending his rally in Pennsylvania.”
Republican Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09):
“Renee and I are praying for President Donald Trump and everyone at the campaign rally, and we thank the brave law enforcement for their swift action.
“Political violence like this is anti-American.”
Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10):
“Praying for President Trump and our nation.”
Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11):
“Prayers are with President Trump and everyone at the rally.”
Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12):
“I condemn the violence at former President Trump’s rally, and I am thankful for the swift response by Secret Service and law enforcement officers. I pray for former President Trump’s recovery, for the family, that lost a loved one, and others injured.
“Political violence is beneath us as a democracy.”
Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13):
“This is a dark day for America.
“I’m praying for the attendees of today’s rally and their families, and wish the former President a swift recovery. I condemn political violence, which has no place in our country.”
Democratic Congressman and Attorney General Candidate Jeff Jackson (NC-14):
“Whoever did this must be held fully accountable. Political violence indelibly stains countries. It must always, always be rejected.
“Our sincere appreciation to the Secret Service, and may our former president recover quickly and fully.”