PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Pennsylvania lawmakers and candidates are speaking out about the shooting at former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler County near Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Governor Josh Shapiro released a statement Saturday night saying, "Under the protection of US Secret Service and with the assistance of the PA State Police, former President Trump has now left the Butler area. Lori and I are thankful that his team reports that he is fine, and we continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the two victims who are being treated at this time. I am grateful for all law enforcement who responded, protected the former president, and worked to bring the situation under control. Federal law enforcement officials will continue to lead on the investigation into the shooting of former President Trump. Pennsylvania State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting of the other victims. I have been in regular communication with law enforcement on the ground in Pennsylvania and have spoken with President Biden who offered his full support. 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. 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."
Republican candidate for Congress Dave McCormick was at the Trump rally and spoke to ABC about what he witnessed take place, saying in part, "I was in the front row, and President Trump had just announced me and said he was going to have me come up on the stage and said, well, well, wait a minute. And then there were a number of shots, I think, probably seven or eight shots. It wasn't clear whether they would come from one place or two places; at least, I couldn't tell."
Senator Bob Casey issued a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "I am monitoring the situation at President Trump’s rally in Butler, and I’ve reached out to the State Police to offer support. Political violence is never acceptable, and I am hoping former president Trump and all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement."
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman also posted on X, saying, "I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler. I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump."
"Please join me in praying for President Trump and all at the Butler Rally. God bless the USA," said Congressman Dan Meuser.