CT, NY reacts to shooting at Trump rally
Statements from Connecticut and New York leaders have poured in in response to an apparent shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
Local officials report two people have died, including the shooter.
Trump was rushed off the stage by Secret Service and appeared to have blood on his face.
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania," Secret Service Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said on X. "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Trump's campaign said in a statement.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine calls the shooting an assassination attempt, which has not been confirmed by officials
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) said there are no reported threats in the county but he is monitoring the situation, which he called an "assassination attempt."
Officials have not confirmed whether or not the shooting was an assassination
attempt.
“Hatred and acts of violence toward an elected official or candidate for office regardless of political affiliation have no place in this country," he said in a statement. "As Americans, we stand united on the principles that make our country strong."
Gov. Hochul: violence against "a fellow American" is "disgusting"
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) called the shooting "disgusting."
"Any violence against a fellow American is disgusting and unacceptable. We must express political disagreements peacefully, civilly and respectfully," Hochul said. "I am praying for the safety and health of former President Trump and all who are attending this event in Pennsylvania."
Blumenthal: "My thoughts are with former President Trump"
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said his thoughts were with the former president.
"Political violence of any kind is unacceptable," Blumenthal said on X. "I am thankful for law enforcement’s swift response. My thoughts are with former President Trump."
CT Dem leaders call incident "shocking"
Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said there was no place for political violence in the U.S., echoing many other statements from lawmakers.
"The incident in Pennsylvania today involving former President Trump is truly shocking," Looney and Duff said in a statement. "We are praying for President Trump’s safety and recovery. There is no place for political violence in our country."
Rep. D'Esposito, former NYPD officer, thanks law enforcement who "ran toward danger"
Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), formerly a law enforcement officer with the New York Police Department, posted on X that he's praying for everyone in Pennsylvania, and "grateful for my law enforcement brothers and sisters who ran towards danger."
DeLauro: "Thoughts and prayers" are with Trump
U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3) said she was praying for Trump and his family.
"My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald Trump and his family after hearing news of a shooting at his campaign rally today," DeLauro said on X. "I commend the quick response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement officials on scene."
Rep. Garbarino says he's praying for Trump and those in the crowd
Long Island Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) said in a statement that he's praying for the former president and those in the crowd.
"I’m glad to hear that President Trump is reported safe following this horrendous act of political violence."
Sen. Schumer says he's "horrified" by the violence
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) posted on X that political violence has no place in the U.S.
"I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe," the senior senator from New York said.
CT Governor Ned Lamont: political violence and gun violence have no place in society
“Political violence and gun violence of any kind have absolutely no place in our society and are never acceptable," Governor Ned Lamont (D) said in a statement. We must all as Americans be able to express our views freely and without the fear of violence. My thoughts are with former President Trump and everyone in attendance at today’s rally, and I am relieved that everyone appears to be safe. I also commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action to protect everyone’s safety.”
Lamont has been outspoken about his support for gun control, signing laws that ban open carry, requiring safe storage, ban large capacity magazines, and more.
Sen. Gillibrand calls situation "horrible"
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) condemned the violence as "horrible" in a statement: “I’m grateful to law enforcement for their swift response. Political violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in American democracy.”
Sen. Chris Murphy, gun control advocate, reacts to apparent shooting
“There is no room in America for political violence,” Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), an outspoken gun safety advocate, said on X. “We should all condemn what happened today and I am hoping for the health of the former president and everyone else at the rally.”
Murphy was instrumental in passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, which expanded background checks and criminal offenses. The anniversary of the legislation was marked with a visit from President Joe Biden (D) last summer.
Bruce Blakeman: "prayers are with my friend"
Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman (R) called Trump “the most resilient person he had ever met.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with my friend, our 45th President, and hopefully our next president, Donald J. Trump, for a speedy recovery. President Trump is the most resilient person I’ve ever met and I’m confident that he will recover and come back stronger than ever. God bless Donald J. Trump.