CONNECTICUT, USA — The nation was sent into a state of shock Saturday when a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pa.
Trump was injured in the shooting, and at least one innocent attendee was injured, per the Associated Press. The gunman was engaged and killed by members of the U.S. Secret Service counterassault team.
Across the country, both Democrats and Republicans have expressed their disgust with the violent act. In Connecticut, it was no different. Some of the state’s top officials released statements following the shooting.
Connecticut GOP Chair Ben Proto said in a statement that the attempt on Trump's life was both tragic and sad. He added that his prayers are with the Trump family and spoke further on the shooter.
“The actions of one deranged individual do not represent American values,” Proto said. “We make change at the ballot box. All Americans, regardless of political affiliation or political philosophy, must condemn this heinous act and recommit to engaging in political discussion that will move our country forward in a nonviolent manner.”
In a statement, Democratic U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) thanked God that Trump was okay.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with him, his family and all those in attendance at the rally. We thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for acting quickly and condemn all forms of violence.”
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), a Democrat, posted on X that her thoughts and prayers are with Trump and his family.
“I commend the quick response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement officials on scene,” DeLauro said.
Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, also took to X to share his opinion Saturday evening. He said his thoughts are with Trump and everyone in attendance at the rally. He said he was relieved that everyone appeared to be safe, likely before knowing that a member of the crowd lost their life.
Lamont praised Secret Service members and law enforcement for their fast reaction to protect those in attendance and condemned acts of violence like the one that occurred in Pennsylvania.
“Political violence and gun violence of any kind have absolutely no place in our society and are never acceptable,” Lamont said, on X. “We must all, as Americans, be able to express our views freely and without the fear of violence.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), a Democrat, said on Facebook that what occurred Saturday was “horrific” before wishing Trump a speedy recovery and speaking against political violence.
“It is encouraging that (Trump) was able to exit safely with assistance of the Secret Service. I, along with all Americans of goodwill, wish him a swift recovery and condemn all political violence,” Courtney said.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) represents the 27th District in Connecticut and said on X that political violence of any kind is unacceptable.
“I am thankful for law enforcement’s swift response,” Blumenthal said. “My thoughts are with former President Trump.”
State Rep. Liz Linehan, a Democrat who represents Connecticut's 103rd District, said on Facebook that violence of any kind is unacceptable.
"Political violence and calls for such are completely unAmerican," she said. "Now, more than ever, we must unite as a country and a human race. I am heartened to learn that the former President is safe, and while we await more information, I hope we can come together for the good of our citizens, nation and democracy and decry any further incidents and division."
In a statement, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Hines (CT-04), said, "Political violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society. Every American should be free and safe to express and share their views with civility. My thoughts are with the former President and all who were harmed at today's rally."
On a national level, former President Barack Obama wrote on X that there is 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 said.
President Joe Biden released a statement saying that he has been briefed on the shooting at Trump’s rally.
“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,” Biden said. “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.”
After the shooting, the Trump Campaign issued a statement via Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” it said.
Hours following the shooting, Trump released a statement himself, thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement personnel for their rapid response. He also extended his condolences to the person who was killed and the family of another who was badly injured.
"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country," Trump said. "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!"
----
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
