SCRANTON, Pa. — Outside of St. Paul's church, President Biden's childhood church in Scranton, the faithful say they are shaken up after what took place at former president Trump's rally in Butler County.
Joseph Gilhooley of Scranton says he was shocked to see the news. "I'm feeling really concerned that we're becoming a different country. A country of hate rather than of love and peace. Shaken, like every American, I hope. I wish the Democrats and the Republicans would just stop all of the bad language and the hate, frankly. On both sides of the aisle," Gilhooley says.
Eugene Ogozalek of Scranton was shocked to learn the shooter was able to get so close to the former president, less than 150 yards away.
Ogozalek, a marine, is familiar with the rifle used in the assassination attempt. He says, "For a fellow who knows his rifle and practices, that's not a very long way to shoot, especially with a good scope."
Having served in the Vietnam War, Ogozalek tells Newswatch 16 that he knows what it is like to be grazed by a bullet. "The former president Trump is very, very lucky that he's alive. I mean, that went right through the top of his ear. I mean, if that went into his head, he'd be dead," he says.
JoAnn Tolle was making her way to Scranton when she heard the news come over her car radio. She says her thoughts and prayers are especially with the bystander who was shot and killed at the rally.
Tolle says, "Just, the temperature of our country is just so high and so divided, and I don't understand. This is the United States. We should all be united."
A united country is something that JoAnn says she'll continue to pray for.