America’s political establishment reacted with bipartisan condemnation and calls for unity Saturday after the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a moment of deep polarization and uncertainly in presidential politics.
“There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” President Joe Biden said in a written statement, then adding in lived televised appearance, “Everybody must condemn it.”
But J.D. Vance, the Ohio senator under consideration as Trump’s running mate, blamed the tone of the Biden campaign for the attack, suggesting a likely theme for the Republican National Convention that opens Monday in Milwaukee.
“Today is not just some isolated incident,” Vance said on the social platform, X. “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
Trump was reported safe, but video showed him grabbing his right ear and ducking on stage at his outdoor rally in Butler, Pa. When the former president stood, surrounded by Secret Service agents, blood was visible on his ear and face.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responder for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facilities. More details will follow,” said Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesperson.
Trump himself later posted a statement on Truth Social, his social media platform, saying he believed he had been struck by a bullet.
“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country,” Trump wrote. “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!”
The Associated Press reported that the suspected shooter was killed by the Secret Service. One spectator was reported dead.
The first attempt on the life of a president or former president since 1981, when Ronald Reagan was wounded in Washington D.C., comes at an extraordinary time in presidential politics.
Democrats are debating whether Biden is fit to continue as their nominee, and Trump has been fanning baseless claims of widespread electoral fraud as he prepares to accept the GOP nomination next week in Milwaukee.
In the immediate aftermath, at least, calls for unity and calm dominated.
Connecticut’s Republican chairman, Ben Proto, who already is in Milwaukee as a member of the Republican National Committee and its platform committee, said the shooting was shocking, but not reflective of America, even in a time of division.
“The actions of one deranged individual do not represent American values. We make change at the ballot box,” Proto said. “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.”
“There never is room for violence in the political discourse,” said former state Rep. Mike France, a Republican candidate for Congress in the 2nd District.
In statements shared via email and social media, Connecticut Democrats expressed similar sentiments.
“Political violence and gun violence of any kind have absolutely no place in our society and are never acceptable,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “We must all as Americans be able to express our views freely and without the fear of violence.”
Members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation issued similar statements Saturday night.
“Political violence of any kind is unacceptable. I am thankful for law enforcement’s swift response. My thoughts are with former President Trump,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on X.
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy issued a similar statement: “There is no room in America for political violence. We should all condemn what happened today and I am hoping for the health of the former president and everyone else at the rally.”
Sens. Martin M. Looney of New Haven and Bob Duff of Norwalk, the top Democratic leaders of the Connecticut Senate, said in a joint statement: “The incident in Pennsylvania today involving former President Trump is truly shocking. We are praying for President Trump’s safety and recovery. There is no place for political violence in our country.”
Proto said there was no immediate word about how the shooting would affect the Republican National Convention, though an evening of social events related to the convention quickly were canceled. The convention opens Monday night and runs through Thursday.
In a statement attributed to Trump and his senior campaign advisers, the campaign assured delegates the convention will go forward as scheduled.
“President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States,” they said. “As our party’s nominee, President Trump will continue to share his vision to Make America Great Again.”
