Survivors of Political Violence Speak Out Against Trump Rally Shooting

After former President Donald Trump was injured in a shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, political leaders swiftly condemned the attack. Trump stated on social media that he was hit in the ear by a bullet. The Secret Service confirmed that the gunman was dead, one attendee was killed, and two others were critically injured. The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt.

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a severe brain injury in a 2011 shooting, expressed her condemnation. “Political violence is terrifying. I know,” Giffords said, adding that such acts are never acceptable. Her own injuries ended her Congressional career and led her to advocate for gun safety.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referenced her family’s experience with political violence, particularly the 2022 attack on her husband, Paul. “I thank God that former President Trump is safe,” Pelosi stated. “Political violence has no place in our society.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who was the target of a kidnapping plot in 2020, also spoke out. “There is no place for political violence in this country, period,” she declared, commending law enforcement for their quick response.

Rep. Steve Scalise, who survived a shooting during a Congressional Baseball Game practice in 2017, tweeted, “Praying for President Donald Trump. There is never any place for political violence.” Scalise also criticized rhetoric from Democratic leaders, calling for an end to incendiary language.

Details about the shooter remain undisclosed by law enforcement. Reports indicate that the shooter was outside the rally venue, which had stringent security checks for attendees. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both issued statements condemning the violence. Biden called for national unity, stressing that political violence has no place in America. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. Everybody must condemn it,” Biden emphasized.

Harris, who leads the White House’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, expressed relief that Trump was not seriously injured. “Violence such as this has no place in our nation,” she said. “We must all condemn this abhorrent act.” Harris also praised the quick actions of the Secret Service and first responders.

This article was originally published by The 19th.