PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia politicians have taken to social media to comment after former President Donald Trump was injured and rushed off stage at a Pennsylvania rally following gunshots on Saturday.
At least one attendee was killed and the suspected gunman is now dead, Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said. Trump has since come out and said that he is “fine.”
He has released the following statement on social media:
“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!”
Donald Trump
The incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt. Officials said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally. National politicians including President Biden and Vice President have released statements. Virginia politicians condemned the shooting in recent posts on X, formerly Twitter.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin: “Suzanne and I are praying for President Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America.”
Youngkin also released a full statement on Sunday that reads as follows:
“Last night, Donald J. Trump showed us strength and courage, and he showed us compassion and gratitude. I thank God for protecting him. My heart breaks for the innocent victims and their families, and I ask every Virginian, and every American, to lift-up in prayer today all of those impacted. I also ask you to pray for our nation. American exceptionalism is not granted; it is earned. This test of our Republic is a moment for us to do just that, earn the mantle of being exceptional. With one voice, we must condemn this evil violence. With one voice, we must declare that America’s future will be forged by the merit of our ideas, the clarity of our calling and the fortitude to stand for what is right. With one voice, we must prove that we are worthy of the generations that fought, that died, that sacrificed so much to build this great country. Yesterday’s attempted assassination of President Trump was an action of pure evil – an afront against our morality, an afront against our liberty, an afront against the very foundations of our great nation. If we ever deem it acceptable, then we will lose our Republic. We fix this through courage, faith, and yes, love. We fix this by repairing our culture. We fix this by defending our beliefs with dignity and fortitude. We fix this by knowing God Almighty blessed this chosen land, and we will defend America against all enemies foreign and domestic. We fix this, together, by being Americans.”
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears:
My fellow Virginians,
It is with a heavy heart and profound concern that I address you today regarding the tragic events at President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania yesterday. The shots fired at this public event, targeting our former President, serve as a stark reminder that political violence has no place in our beloved nation.
As a proud American who journeyed from Jamaica and served in the United States Marine Corps, I hold dear the core values of our country – freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. My Christian faith teaches me the importance of love, compassion, and respect for all, even amidst disagreement. Today, I stand firmly against any form of violence, especially that which seeks to undermine our democratic processes and threaten our leaders.
We must come together as a nation to reject hatred and violence. Our political discourse should be a beacon of hope, a place where ideas are exchanged respectfully, and where each individual feels safe to express their beliefs without fear.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former fire chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life protecting his family. Our prayers are with them, and we also pray for the swift recovery of those injured during this horrific event. Their courage and sacrifice are a poignant reminder of the importance of civility and the high cost of violence.
My deepest gratitude goes to the brave first responders, police officers, and Secret Service members who acted swiftly to protect lives. Their courage and dedication are a testament to the best of America, and we owe them our deepest thanks and prayers.
I also ask that we all join in prayer for President Trump, his family, and everyone affected by this traumatic event. May God’s peace and protection be with them and our entire country as we navigate these turbulent times. Let us pray for healing, unity, and a renewed commitment to the values that make America a beacon of hope and democracy.
In these challenging moments, let us remember that we are stronger together, united in our pursuit of a more just and peaceful society. We must not let violence and hatred define us. Instead, let us be defined by resilience, compassion, and unwavering belief in the American dream.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Sen. Tim Kaine: “I’m deeply concerned by this situation and am praying for President Trump and everyone at today’s event.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares: “To be clear, any form of political violence is unacceptable and disgusting. Prayers for protection and healing for the President, any innocent bystanders and for law enforcement to arrest all perpetuators associated with this monstrous attempt on Trump’s life.”
Sen. Mark Warner: “There is no place for political violence in a democracy. I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.”
House Rep. Bobby Scott: “I unequivocally condemn any form of political violence. As we wait for more information, my thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump and everyone else at the rally today.”
Sen. Louise Lucas: “I am disgusted by the events that occurred at former President Trump’s rally today. Political violence has absolutely no place in our democratic systems. I am praying for his family, and for a full recovery for Mr. Trump.”
Congresswoman Abigail Spanburger: “My prayers are with the 45th President, and I wish him a swift and complete recovery. Thank you to the law enforcement and first responders on the scene for the quick response. As we learn more, we must be clear that political violence is never acceptable in America.”
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker: “Political violence has no place in our society. I am horrified by today’s shooting but am relieved that Donald Trump says he is not seriously hurt. I wish him a quick recovery and pray for those who were killed and injured at today’s rally, as well as their families.”
The House of Delegates, including Don Scott, released a joint statement: “We were shocked and alarmed to learn of the violence that place at the rally today. This is not a reflection of our shared values. In American, we settle political differences through free and fair election. There is no place for violence in politics. Every American has the right to gather peacefully and participate in our political system. We are praying for the victims and President Trump and their families.”
President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident and shortly after released the following statement:
“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.”
Vice President Kamala Harris released the following statement:
“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 President Barack Obama released the following statement:
“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.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III: “The entire Department of Defense condemns this violence, which has absolutely no place in our democracy. This is not the way that we resolve our differences in America — and it must never be. I’m relieved that reports indicate former President Trump is safe, and I am praying for him and his family and everyone affected by this appalling incident.”
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.