‘Political violence ... stains countries.’ NC reacts after assassination attempt on Trump

Former President Donald Trump is “safe” after what authorities confirmed was an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, that left Trump bloodied.

North Carolina’s elected officials immediately took to social media reacting to the shooting.

“This was a heinous assassination attempt and thank God that President Trump is safe,” Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from Mecklenburg County, wrote. “Keep praying for those who were shot. Violence in our political system can never be tolerated.”

Law enforcement officials confirmed an attendee is dead and so is the suspected shooter, with two other attendees critically injured.

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, posted on social media that “violence has no place in our politics or communities.”

“I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured.”

His words echoed those of Rep. Jeff Jackson, a Democrat from Charlotte who is running for attorney general, and who called for the person responsible to be held fully accountable.

“Political violence indelibly stains countries,” Jackson wrote. “It must always, always be rejected. Our sincere appreciation to the Secret Service, and may our former president recover quickly and fully.”

Trump was speaking about immigration on stage as several pops were heard. He grabbed his right ear and Secret Service moved him from the stage.

Blood could be seen on his face.

Anthony Guglielmi, spokesman for the Secret Service, wrote in a statement that a spectator was killed and two others were critically injured, after “a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue. US Secret Service neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated.”

The shooting came just 48 hours before the Republican National Convention is set to begin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday.

“Renee and I are Praying for God’s protection of President Donald Trump,” wrote Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from Southern Pines. “I am in shock — this is unAmerican. God help us…”

Hudson leads the National Republican Congressional Committee, and has a speaking role at RNC this week.

Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Banner Elk, asked her constituents to pray for Trump, while Rep. David Rouzer, a Republican from Wilmington, offered his prayers to Trump and those attending the rally. House Speaker Tim Moore also offered his prayers.

Former members of Congress from North Carolina also tweeted their support.

Former Rep. Mark Walker offered his prayers.

Former Rep. Madison Cawthorn tweeted that, “THEY WILL NEVER STOP THIS MAN.”

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican running for governor, called for peace.

“We see what’s happening here in America right now,” Robinson wrote. “Passions are inflamed on both sides of the aisle. But please, let’s all remember who we are. We are Americans. And let’s unify in the fact that violence has no place in political discourse. We must remain calm, we must remain steadfast. And we must remain unified on at least that point.

“For the safety of our country and our citizens and for our Republic as a whole, we need calm, we need peace and we need to rise again. Violence has no place in political discourse for the entire country.”

State Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, said he was outraged, calling political violence abhorrent and saying that it has no place in America.

“I pray for his health and am grateful he was able to walk off the stage tonight,” Stein said. “I appreciate the secret service and law enforcement for their immediate response. I am also praying for our deeply divided country. People should be able to have differing opinions without fear of violence or threats.”

This story was originally published July 13, 2024 at 7:37 PM with the headline "‘Political violence ... stains countries.’ NC reacts after assassination attempt on Trump."

Danielle Battaglia

McClatchy DC

Danielle Battaglia is the D.C. correspondent for The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer, leading coverage of North Carolina’s congressional delegation and elections. She also covers the White House. Her career has spanned three North Carolina newsrooms where she has covered crime, courts and local, state and national politics. She has won two McClatchy President’s awards and numerous national and state awards for her work.