The shooting incident at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday has drawn strong condemnation from several prominent leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama.
Harris described the incident as “abhorrent” and said that such violence has no place in the US
Shortly after the shooting, the US Vice President shared a post on X
The gunfire incident, which comes months before the 2024 US presidential elections, disrupted Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, as reported by CBS News. Trump was immediately escorted off stage by US Secret Service agents and taken away in a motorcade.
In the videos that went viral on social media, Trump could be seen bleeding from his ear.
Former US President Barack Obama also condemned the incident, saying that there is “absolutely no place for political violence” in the US.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” Obama shared in a post on X.
“Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery,” he added.
President Joe Biden responded to Saturday’s shooting at the Trump rally, which killed at least one spectator and left the shooter dead as well.
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety,” Biden wrote on X.
Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, too, condemned the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday. “As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society,” Pelosi said in a post on X.
“I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed,” the former House Speaker added.
Former US President George W. Bush said he is “grateful” that Donald Trump is safe. “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response,” Bush said in his statement, according to CNN.
The New York City Police Department is strengthening its presence at Trump Tower and other critical places as a precautionary measure following former President Donald Trump’s injury at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as reported by CNN.