California leaders have strongly condemned what appears to be an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
“Violence has NO place in our democracy,” Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted. “My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today.”
The incident occurred while Trump was speaking at the rally, just outside Pittsburgh. He suddenly grabbed the side of his head and ducked after loud bangs were heard. Secret Service agents swiftly surrounded him, and Trump, appearing to bleed from around his ear, pumped a fist in the air before being rushed off the stage.
In a statement, the Secret Service confirmed that a shooter had fired from “an elevated position outside of the rally venue” before being neutralized by agents. Tragically, one spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured in the attack.
Trump later released a statement, saying he had been “shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” He expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and injured rally attendees.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) echoed these sentiments on the social media platform X, stating, “Such violence has no place in our society.” Reflecting on her own family’s experience with political violence in 2022, Pelosi added, “I thank God that former President Trump is safe and hope that attendees of the rally are as well.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the act. “It’s sick. It’s sick,” Biden remarked during a news briefing from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Harris, alongside Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured. “We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting,” Harris said. “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.”
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) also voiced their condemnation. Padilla stated, “There is no place in our democracy for political violence,” and thanked law enforcement for their quick action. Butler extended her “thoughts and prayers” to Trump and all rally attendees, emphasizing that political violence must not become acceptable in American democracy.
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), who is running for Butler’s Senate seat, issued a statement expressing horror at the apparent assassination attempt. “There is no place for political violence in our democracy. Absolutely none,” Schiff wrote. “Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery.”
Steve Garvey, Schiff’s Republican opponent and former Dodgers star, also shared his thoughts on X, expressing prayers for Trump’s speedy recovery and for the families of the rally attendees who were affected. He praised the bravery of the Secret Service members who protected the former president and everyone present.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a renewed call for unity and condemnation of political violence from leaders across the nation.