The Secret Service said in a statement that one rally attendee was killed and two others are in critical condition. The alleged shooter was also killed.
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Many Pennsylvania lawmakers and elected officials have spoken out to condemn the shooting and offer condolences to the victims of the shooting and their families.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said on social media that he has been in contact with President Joe Biden as well as law enforcement on the ground.
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Shapiro said via social media. ”It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”
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In another post later Saturday night, Shapiro said, “We mourn the loss of life and pray for the two victims who are being treated at this time.”
“As we wait to learn more from the investigations, I am mindful of just how painful and shocking this event is to so many of our fellow Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro added. “I respectfully ask that we treat our fellow Americans with respect and join together to universally condemn the unacceptable violence we witnessed earlier today in Butler.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-16th District), who represents Butler, was at the rally. Kelly confirmed on social media that he and his family were safe.
“We are safe and we are praying for Mr. Trump and everyone involved,” Kelly wrote. “Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action.”
Kelly also called the shooting an “attack from the left,” but the shooter has not been identified at the time of this writing. It is unclear what their motives may have been.
Republican U.S. Senate Candidate David McCormick spoke at the rally before Trump, and was in the crowd as the shooting unfolded.
McCormick told Fox news that someone behind him was shot in “a very scary moment.”.
“The crowd just sort of went to the ground,” McCormick said. “Sadly, someone behind me up in the bleachers was definitely wounded. And there was a lot of blood and the police came in and helped carry that person out of the stands so they could get the care they needed.”
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pa. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
McCormick’s incumbent opponent, Sen. Bob Casey, said on social media that “Political violence is never acceptable and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement.”
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman also offered his condolences to the victims via social media
“I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler,” Fetterman wrote. “I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump.”
State Attorney General Michelle Henry said on her Twitter account, “I am deeply disturbed by today act of violence that has absolutely no place in the Commonwealth or anywhere.
“My regards are with the families who will be forever impacted by this heinous act.”
Henry also wished Trump a speedy recovery and said that her office is in contact with and cooperating with law enforcement.
State lawmakers were also quick to speak out.
Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), who represents part of Butler County, said, “I do not condone the senseless act of violence that took place here in Butler. This horrific incident is currently under investigation.
“Former Pres. Trump, his quick acting Secret Service team, rally attendees, and our first responders currently on the scene are in my prayers.”
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) released a statement saying, “the resilience of America must overcome any gutless acts of violence. Praying for President Trump, his family, and any innocent victims and their families who may have been harmed by this senseless act. Thank you to the Secret Service, law enforcement, and emergency responders who assisted in keeping things safe and calm. God Bless America.”
Democratic state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) said, “Political violence is never appropriate and must be condemned.
“I pray for the former president, all those injured and the life lost to this heinous act.
“Love of our country and reverence for our democracy has never been more important.”
Senate Minority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) said “The heinous act is unbecoming of our Constitutional Republic. I certainly expect those who may disagree with Trump’s views should at least recognize such vile actions are beyond anything we should accept in a civilized society.”
The sentiment was echoed by Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).
“Political violence is a threat to all of our democratic ideals,” Costa wrote. “I condemn it without equivocation. Our law enforcement officers acted with bravery tonight and my thoughts are with all who were wounded or worse.”
Update: This story was updated at 11:29 p.m. July 13, 2024 with additional comments by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
This article originally appeared in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and X.
