The town of Butler, Pennsylvania is in disarray after a shooting at a campaign rally has left at least two people dead and two others injured.
On Saturday, July 13, thousands gathered in the Pittsburgh suburb as former President Donald Trump planned to address his supporters. While standing at the podium, he began reaching for his neck. Shortly thereafter, blood began to appear around his near and drip down to parts of his neck. Law enforcement officials rushed on to stage and escorted him out of the area to receive medical attention. The former President is reportedly “fine” after being evaluated further. He was reportedly struck by a fragment of glass after a bullet hit his teleprompter. However, the shooting has left at least other two people dead, including the shooter, and at least one other person injured. The identities of those individuals has not yet been shared with the public.
Immediately after the incident took place, several lawmakers in Pennsylvania issued statements, including Governor Josh Shapiro. The Pennsylvania Governor said “violence targeted at any political party” has “no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”
“Lori and I are praying for President Trump, the Secret Service officers who protected him, those attending the event, and all of the first responders still on the scene,” he added.
“I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler. I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump,” U.S. Senator John Fetterman added.
As news of the shooting began to spread, President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and several other current and former federal lawmaker shared their thoughts via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“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,” Obama wrote.
“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,” Biden added.
“Political violence is never acceptable. My prayers are with former President Trump as he recovers from any injuries. I am grateful for the news that former President Trump was not seriously hurt. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the innocent person whose life was reportedly taken by the shooter. I want to express my gratitude to the incredible secret service and other law enforcement agents for their bravery, courage, and professionalism,” U.S. Senator Cory Booker noted.
President Joe Biden is reportedly expected to address the matter further later this evening.
