The South Shore Press is following statewide and national reaction to the assassination attempt made on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Officials and leaders across the nation are expressing their shock and anger over this attempt on the former president, and current candidate, for president of the United States.
"Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today's senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always," said Ivanka Trump.
"I just spoke to my father on the phone and he is in great spirits. He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him," he said. He'll never stop fighting to Save America," says Donald Trump, Jr.
President Trump said from the hospital, "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. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. 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."
Former congressman Lee Zeldin said on X, "Praying for President Trump."
Elon Musk said, "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery. Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt."
"Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the campaign rally today in Pennsylvania, and we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene. I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor the developments. This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
"Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement," said Senator Mitch McConnell
"Kimberley and I are praying for the safety of President Trump and everyone who attended the rally in Pennsylvania, and I’m carefully monitoring the situation," said Senator John Thune.
"Praying for President Donald Trump. There is never any place for political violence. For weeks Democrat leaders have been fueling ludicrous hysteria that Donald Trump winning re-election would be the end of democracy in America. Clearly we’ve seen far left lunatics act on violent rhetoric in the past. This incendiary rhetoric must stop, " says Rep. Steve Scalise.
"This is horrific & wrong & evil. Thank God he appears not to be seriously injured. Heidi & I are lifting President Trump up in prayer right now," says Senator Ted Cruz.
Cruz also said after he saw the photo of Trump raising his fist in defiance, "Extraordinary. God bless President Trump."
"Congressman Scalise, Justice Kavanaugh, and now President Trump. For years, Democrats and their allies in the media have recklessly stoked fears, calling President Trump and other conservatives threats to democracy. Their inflammatory rhetoric puts lives at risk," said Senator Tim Scott.
"I’m praying for President Trump. I hope everyone will join me," said Rep. Kevin McCarthy.
"Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge every American to join us," said Former Vice-president Mike Pence.
"The assassination attempt on President Trump is a shocking development and should serve as a national wakeup call against the hatred consuming our country. We are relieved to learn that President Trump is now safe, and encouraged by his iconic fist pump while leaving the Pennsylvania stage. We congratulate law enforcement on their quick action in taking down a shooter, and are fully confident that a meticulous investigation will take place. We express our deepest sympathies to other innocent parties reportedly shot at the event, said Chairman Gerry Kassar in a statement issued by the NYS Conservative Party.
"The vitriol in this country must be toned down. This is not who we are as a nation," added Kassar.
“Please pray for President Trump, his family, and all of the patriots at today’s rally in Pennsylvania,” Elise Stefanik, the House Republican conference chairwoman from New York.
"We are praying for President Trump and for the safety of everyone at the Butler, PA rally. As we wait to learn more, it’s my understanding that while President Trump was struck, he is in stable condition," said NY Rep Nicole Malliotakis.
"Please join me in praying for President Donald Trump and for the safety of all at the rally in Pennsylvania this evening," said NY Senator Rob Ortt.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said, "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” says President Joe Biden.
Senator Chuck Schumer said, "I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country."
"As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know first-hand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe," said former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery," says former President Barack Obama.
“Political violence is terrifying. I know. I’m holding former President Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable—never, said Gabrielle Giffords.
Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul said, Any violence against a fellow American is disgusting and unacceptable. We must express political disagreements peacefully, civilly and respectfully."
"The events that unfolded at today’s rally in Pennsylvania are horrific. Sending my prayers to former President Trump, his family, and everyone who was at today’s event. Political violence has no place in this country. Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is surging officers to certain sites across the five boroughs," said NYC Mayor Eric Adams.