North Carolina political leaders responded to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally Saturday night in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The man who opened fire on Trump was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of the Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park, about an hour from Butler.
One of the bullets struck Trump above his right ear, causing blood to stream down his face.
Nearly every Tar Heel politician who spoke about the tragic events supported X, including Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
“Violence has no place in our politics or in our communities,” Cooper said. “I appreciate the swift response of law enforcement today and hope that former President Trump is not seriously injured.”
“We know what's going on in America right now,” Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor, said in a video. “There's anger flaring on both sides, but please, let's remember who we are. We are Americans, and let's unite in the fact that violence has no place in the political debate.”
Robinson said he was praying for the country, the state of North Carolina, President Trump and all Americans as we watch this unfold. “We need to take a deep breath, realize we are all Americans and stand up for what is right, and that is peacefully through the democratic process and let it happen,” he said.
Attorney General Josh Stein, the Democratic opponent in the gubernatorial race, said he was outraged by what happened at the rally and that political violence is abhorrent and has no place in America.
“I pray for his health and am grateful that he was able to walk off stage tonight,” he said Saturday. “I thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response. I also pray for our deeply divided country. People should be able to hold different opinions without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he was praying for President Trump and all those at the rally, adding, “This was a heinous assassination attempt. I am grateful that President Trump is safe. Please continue to pray for those who were shot. Violence will never be tolerated in our political system.”
Republican Senator Ted Budd also said he was praying for all those at the rally, saying, “The hysterical and inflammatory rhetoric directed at President Trump is fueling this un-American political violence. It must stop.”
Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina's 8th Congressional District, a Republican candidate for state attorney general, called for prayers for Trump and the American people. Meanwhile, his Democratic opponent, Representative Jeff Jackson of North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, said, “Whoever committed this must be held fully accountable. Political violence is an indelible stain on our nation and must always, always be rejected. I am extremely grateful to the Secret Service and wish the former president a speedy and full recovery.”
Republican Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina's 9th Congressional District said he and his wife would pray for Trump and all those at the rally, and thanked police.
“This kind of political violence is anti-American,” he said.
Republican Rep. Greg Murphy, who represents North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, said Saturday was a momentous day in American history.
“While the news is still emerging, I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt on President Trump during the campaign trail,” he said. “I am grateful the president was able to walk off stage and I appreciate the swift action of law enforcement. I am praying for President Trump, his family, his staff and our country.”
People on the other side of the political aisle also expressed concern about the incident.
Deborah Ross, Democrat congresswoman for North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, said, “I join leaders of both parties in expressing relief that former President Trump is safe and well and thank law enforcement for their swift response. Political violence of any kind will not be tolerated in America.”
“This is a dark day for America,” said Rep. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat from North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. “I pray for those at today's rally and their families, and I wish our former president a speedy recovery. I condemn political violence; it has no place in our country.”
Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Manning of North Carolina's 6th Congressional District also condemned the attack, saying she was relieved the former president was safe and thanked police for their swift response.
“While we wait for more details, one thing is clear: political violence has no place in America,” she said.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to former President Donald J. Trump, his family, and all of the victims of this horrific act,” said Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., a Democrat. “I appreciate the swift response of the Secret Service and law enforcement. Political violence is never acceptable under any circumstances, and I strongly condemn this act.”
Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina's 12th Congressional District also condemned the violence at the rally and said she appreciated the Secret Service and law enforcement's swift response.
“I pray for former President Trump's recovery, for the families who lost loved ones, and for those who were injured,” she said. “Political violence has no place in a democratic nation.”
“I am horrified by the violence at former President Trump's rallies. I am glad the president is safe and well,” said Democratic Rep. Valerie Fousse. “My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. I appreciate the swift police response. Political violence has no place in our country.”
Other Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C. 5th District), Rep. David Reuther (N.C. 7th District), and Rep. Patrick McHenry (N.C. 10th District), posted similar messages, saying they were praying for President Trump and the country.
Republican Sen. Phil Berger of Rockingham, North Carolina, also said he was praying for Trump and the country, while Republican House Speaker and congressional candidate Tim Moore of Cleveland said he was praying for Trump and all those attending the rally.
Democratic state auditor and candidate Jessica Holmes reposted a post by former Democratic President Barack Obama, saying, “Political violence has no place in our democracy. While we still don't know exactly what happened, we can all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured and should take this opportunity to recommit to civility and respect in politics. Michelle and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Finally, Republican Insurance Commissioner and candidate Mike Causey released a statement saying he was shocked and saddened to hear the news and called the assassination attempt an abhorrent act.
“Violence is not only cowardly but has no place in politics,” he said. “People should respect all points of view and never resort to violence. Let's de-escalate and not overreact with words.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the Secret Service, first responders and all those who risked their lives to serve, and said he would continue to pray for President Trump, his family, those attending the rally, and our country.
“My hope is that this will unite all of us Americans against political violence and ease the current tense political environment,” he said. “We need to come together as a nation.”
