Local officials issued statements after a shooting in Butler, Pa. Saturday evening at a Trump rally. Former President Donald Trump was shot in the right ear. Officials are calling it an assassination attempt.
County Mayor Weston Wamp said, "President Trump showed the country remarkable courage in the face of an appalling act of political violence. Pray for him, pray for our country, pray for unity."
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann said, "Brenda and I join Americans in prayer for President Trump and all who were injured in the heinous act that unfolded today. I am grateful for the swift action by the secret service and law enforcement. Their heroic efforts saved the lives of many individuals.
"What we have witnessed today is an assassination attempt on a Presidential candidate for simply having differing political beliefs. This is not only an attack on our next President, but an attack on our freedom of speech, our freedom to think for ourselves, and an attack on the very principles on which our country was founded.
"President Trump is one of the strongest people I have ever known. Now more than ever before, this is a time for our country to unite around President Trump and show the world what it looks like to have a real leader. A leader who will never back down to the constant attempts to undermine him, mock him, and now, take his life. Donald Trump will come back from this stronger than ever, and when he does, we will be there to support him every step of the way. He is the man who will save America, bring back law and order, and he will make America great again.
"My deepest condolences go to the family of the innocent person whose life was senselessly taken far too soon.
"What a sad day for our country."
Sheriff Austin Garrett said, "It doesn’t matter what your political leanings are, this act of violence is unacceptable and wrong. Please join me as we pray for former President Donald Trump, his family, and our Nation. We are Americans... And we are better than this."
Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Mark Harrison said, "Following the shooting at his rally this afternoon in Pennsylvania, reports are that former President Trump is safe. We continue to pray for his health and safety. We are thankful for the Secret Service, law enforcement and emergency responders who acted so quickly. There is a report that a citizen attending the rally has been killed and there may be others injured. Please keep those that were present and their families in your prayers. Please continue to pray for our nation."
Congressional Candidate Jack Allen said, "What happened this evening in Pennsylvania is absolutely terrible. I will be following the news for updates. I join the entire Jack Allen for Congress campaign in wishing former President Trump a speedy recovery. Violence is not the answer to the differences we have and has no place in our politics.”