Central Valley and California political leaders expressed alarm after former President Donald Trump was shot and wounded at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump was in the middle of remarks to the crowd when he appeared to wince in pain and put his hand to his right ear. He dropped to the stage as several loud pops could be heard and Secret Service agents covered his body to protect him. Moments later, a bloodied Trump stood and pumped his fist as he was hustled away to his motorcade.
The FBI confirmed Saturday that the suspected shooter was killed by Secret Service agents. One member of the crowd was fatally shot, and two were wounded.
The news of the assassination attempt reverberated across the nation, including in the Central Valley where political leaders took to social media with statements condemning the violence and sending prayers for Trump and those attending the rally.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican candidate for California’s 9th Congressional District, said his “thoughts and prayers” were with Trump and his family.
“We extend our heartfelt support to him and his loved ones during this challenging time,” Lincoln said in a statement. “May they find strength, comfort, and a swift recovery in the outpouring of well-wishes from across the nation.”
Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy), who is running for the State Assembly District 13 seat, commented about the incident on Instagram.
“Violence has no place in our democratic process,” Ransom said. “The Freedom to assembly is a core principle in democracy and I condemn the acts of violence against former President Trump during his rally. We are grateful law enforcement responded quickly during (Saturday’s) incident. My prayers are with the families of those affected and my condolences for the deceased.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, whose husband was attacked by a conspiracy theorist with a hammer in their home in 2022, said: “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,”
“I thank God that former President Trump is safe,” Pelosi said in a statement. “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.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom echoed Pelosi.
“Violence has NO place in our democracy,” Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. “My thoughts are with President Trump, and everyone impacted at the rally today.”
“Political violence has no place in our democracy,” U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, said in a statement. “I condemn this shooting, and am grateful for first responders, Secret Service and law enforcement.
“I wish former President Trump (and others shot) good health and a fast recovery,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara, said he was “absolutely appalled by the gunshots fired at Donald Trump.
“Violence is never acceptable in our democracy,” Khanna said in a statement. “I pray he was not seriously hurt and for our deeply divided nation.”
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said he was “horrified by this apparent assassination attempt.
“There is no place for political violence in our democracy,” Schiff said in a statement. “Absolutely none. Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, chairman of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, said that while more information is needed, “one thing remains clear: Gun violence of any kind is unacceptable.
“I unequivocally condemn today’s act of political violence against the former president, and I am grateful to hear he is safe,” Thompson said in a press release. “My thoughts remain with the former president and those in attendance. I urge my colleagues who are speaking out in horror to join the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in its efforts to pass the commonsense laws that help prevent these threats.”
Bay City News contributed to this story