Local and national officials, including President Joe Biden and Governor Josh Shapiro, are releasing statements, offering condolences and condemning violence after Former President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage after shots were fired while he was rallying in Butler County.

Channel 11 has a crew at the scene and is actively working to learn more. Click here to read live updates

President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden said he has been briefed on the shooting at the Trump rally. He said he is “grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well.”

Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement saying that she was relieved that Donald Trump was not seriously injured.

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Donald Trump’s former running mate Mike Pence took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his thankfulness that the former president is recovering.

Governor Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issued a statement after the incident saying that violence against any political figure is unacceptable.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson

Speaker Mike Johnson says the House of Representatives will also be investigating the shooting.

Johnson also acknowledged that George Washington was also shot at less than 50 miles from where Trump was attacked yesterday.

Senator Bob Casey

Sen. Bob Casey said that he is monitoring the situation, adding that “political violence is never acceptable.”

Dave McCormick

Dave McCormick was at the campaign rally when shots rang out. McCormick was there to show his support with Donald Trump who was backing him in his Senate campaign.

Senator John Fetterman

Sen. John Fetterman said he’s “appalled” by the violence and extends his condolences to those injured.

Sean Parnell

Sean Parnell was also in attendance at the rally. Parnell is a veteran who ran for Congress and was backed by Trump in the past.

Melania Trump

Melania Trump issued a statement calling for the nation to reunite after the act of violence against her husband. Her full statement read:

“I am thinking of you, now, my fellow Americans. We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one. When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband. To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy. Your need to summon your inner strength for such a terrible reason saddens me. A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald’s passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband’s life - his human side - were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love. Our personal, structural, and life commitment - until death - is at serious risk. Political concepts are simple when compared to us, human beings. We are all humans, and fundamentally, instinctively, we want to help one another. American politics are only one vehicle that can uplift our communities. Love, compassion, kindness and empathy are necessities. And let us remember that when the time comes to look beyond the left and the right, beyond the red and the blue, we all come from families with the passion to fight for a better life together, while we are here, in this earthly realm. Dawn is here again. Let us reunite. Now. This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence. We all want a world where respect is paramount, family is first, and love transcends. We can realize this world again. Each of us must demand to get it back. We must insist that respect fills the cornerstone of our relationships, again. I am thinking of you, my fellow Americans. The winds of change have arrived. For those of you who cry in support, I thank you. commend those of you who have reached out beyond the political divide - thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or a woman with a loving family.”

Donald Trump Jr. & Eric Trump

Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump issued a statement expressing love for her father and gratitude towards the men who protected him.

Former President Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama said there is no place for political violence in democracy.

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was attacked in their home in 2022, said that she is glad that Donald Trump is safe.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement saying he was horrified by the events at the Butler County Trump rally.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis

Pennsylvania’s Lt. Governor Austin Davis issued a statement saying there is no room for violence in Democracy.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey issued a statement condemning political violence. Gainey said:

“Violence is not the way to resolve our political differences and the actions taken in Butler County have no place in our country. I wish former President Trump a quick recovery and offer our prayers to the family of the other victims.”

Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin M. Krauss

“I have offered the assistance of my office and numerous deputies have been detailed to aid with security involving the hospital treatment of those who have been injured in Butler County. It is important to emphasize that a life was lost today. That is tragic and unacceptable. No one who attends a political rally should fear for their life in doing so. I can assure the residents of Allegheny County and western Pennsylvania that my personnel, in conjunction with all of law enforcement in this region, will work diligently to keep our citizens safe.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland

In a press release, Attorney General Merrick Garland, said the Justice Department and the AG stand with the former president and other victims of the shooting.

“I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s rally, and have briefed the President. The FBI, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the Department’s National Security Division are currently working with the Secret Service as well as state and local law enforcement partners on the ground in Butler, Pennsylvania. My heart is with the former President, those injured, and the family of the spectator killed in this horrific attack. We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and violence like this is an attack on our democracy. The Justice Department will bring every available resource to bear to this investigation.”

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,” said Austin.

Senator Marjorie Taylor Greene

Greene took to X (formerly Twitter) to blame the media and the Democratic party for the shooting which resulted in the death of one man and the injury of three others, including former President Donald Trump. Greene’s statement comes as multiple other national leaders called for unity in the United States after an act of violence.

Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the incident at the rally horrific.

Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee

Representative Summer Lee extended her sympathies to the victims in Butler.

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward

“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,” Ward said.

Beaver County Republican Chair and House Representative candidate Roman Kozak

Roman Kozak issued a statement praising Beaver County Republican Committee Vice Chair Rico Elmore for what he said was quick action that helped others after the shooting.

“I am deeply saddened by the despicable act that occurred today in Butler County. The attempt on President Trump’s life by a madman is a reminder of how fragile life is and where we are today as a nation. Political violence has no place in America. I am grateful that President Trump was not injured more than we seem to know at this time and for the quick reaction of the Secret Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and other local first responders. My prayers are with President Trump, the deceased, the victims, and all of their families. Finally, I wish to praise and thank Beaver County Republican Committee Vice Chair Rico Elmore for his brave and selfless actions after the shooting as he provided assistance to one of the victims.”

Republican Congressional nominee James Hayes

“What happened in Butler County today was an attack on American democracy and a result of the increasingly violent language in the political sphere. Hatred has no place in American politics and yet extreme factions, irreconcilably at odds with our values and constitutional form of government, continue to press their agendas. In the months previous, they pressed it with extreme rhetoric. On Saturday, they pressed it with the trigger of a gun. As someone who has lost a loved one to violence, I know the sense of pain and confusion that the families of the other victims. My prayers are with them all,” Hayes said.

Republican Candidate for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District Rob Mercuri

“My wife and I are praying for Donald Trump, his family, the rally attendees, and everyone who was injured in this horrific attack today in Butler. There’s no place for political violence in our country and we are grateful to the Secret Service agents and the law enforcement officials who quickly responded to this cowardly attack,” Mercuri said.

Allegheny County Republican Committee Chairman Sam DeMarco

“The incident in Butler County has made a few things clear. First, Donald Trump is a fighter who left the stage reluctantly and will come back stronger and even more prepared to fight to make America great. It is also a haunting reminder of how extreme rhetoric and political hatred, can rob a nation of its civility and shared purpose. I this will remind Mr. Trump’s haters that words matter.”

Bishop David Zubick of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

“We are deeply shocked by news reports of the shooting at a political rally for former President Trump right across the street from one of our churches in Butler County. We are grateful for the swift actions of the Secret Service and our local first responders. Let us join together in prayer for the health and safety of all, for healing and peace, and for an end to this climate of violence in our world. May God guide and protect us all,” Bishop Zubick said.

Bishop Larry J. Kulick of the Diocese of Greensburg

“I am terribly saddened to hear about the violence at the campaign rally this afternoon in Butler County. My heartfelt prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by this horrific event. Today’s events demonstrate the political tension that exists in our nation. Violence can never be a legitimate part of the democratic process. I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg to join me in prayer for those who have died, those who mourn their loss, and those who have been injured” said Kulick.

Democracy Defense Project

“America is great because we resolve our political differences with ballots, not bullets. We pray for President Trump and the victims of today’s senseless shooting and strongly condemn any violence. Democracy Defense Project is committed to safe, secure elections and the rights for voters to practice politics safely.” – Mike DuHaime, Democracy Defense Project

No Place for Violence in Politics

“Regardless of where your politics fall, there is–unequivocally–no place for political violence,” said President Angela Ferritto, president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. “As Americans, and as Pennsylvanians, we settle our differences at the ballot box. As union members, we put aside those differences to push for a better tomorrow for all working Americans. I am stunned and appalled that this happened. In the coming days and weeks, this attack may prove to have a profound impact on how we characterize ourselves as Americans, what we hold closest to our hearts, and our norms as a democracy. This is not a path forward any of us want.”

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