Former president Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, issued a statement after an apparent assassination attempt on her father at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. on Saturday night.
“Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the statement read. “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.”
Reaction was swift, with most condemning the violence, although some Trump supporters, including possible GOP vice presidential pick J.D. Vance, an Ohio Senator, pointed fingers at the Biden campaign. They sparked immediate backlash.
President Joe Biden in a televised address:
“I plan on talking to Donald shortly — I hope when I get back to the telephone. Look, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one reason why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this. And so I want to thank the Secret Service and all the agency, including the state agencies, that have been engaged.”
In a statement before he went on television, Biden said:
“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.”
Former President Bill Clinton:
“Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.
Former President Barack Obama:
“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.”
“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. 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.
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was attacked in political violence:
“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. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”
Former Rep. Liz Cheney:
“Reports of the shooting in Pennsylvania are horrifying. Violence of any kind has no place in American politics. We are grateful for the reaction of Secret Service and other law enforcement and pray for the former president and all those injured.”
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg:
“In this horrible moment, encouraged to hear President Trump’s team indicate that the former president is doing well. An entire nation must speak with one voice today to completely and unequivocally reject all political violence.”
“Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”
Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is a victim of a shooting:
“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.”
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and a key witness against him at his criminal trial: “Whether you agree or disagree with someone’s political position, THIS IS NOT THE SOLUTION!”
James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability: “Political violence in all forms is un-American and unacceptable. There are many questions and Americans demand answers. I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing.”
Billionaire Elon Musk: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
The National Rifle Association: “We pray for the safety and well-being of President Trump and the brave men and women protecting him and all in attendance in PA.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”
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The Latest from The Associated Press:
Donald Trump’s campaign says he is “fine” after what law enforcement officials are treating as an apparent assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In a social media post, Trump said he was “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” The former president was quickly whisked from the stage by Secret Service agents, his ear covered in blood.
The Secret Service said the suspected gunman and one spectator are dead, and two attendees and two spectators were critically injured.
President Joe Biden and political leaders of all stripes condemned the attack. “There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” Biden said. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”
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