California leaders condemned an apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
“Violence has no place in our democracy,” Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted. “My heart goes out to President Trump and everyone affected by today’s rally.”
While speaking at a rally outside Pittsburgh, Trump grabbed his head and ducked away after a loud bang. Secret Service agents rushed in and surrounded Trump, who pumped his fists in the air and appeared to be bleeding from around his ears before being rushed off the stage.
The Secret Service said in a statement that a gunman opened fire from “an elevated position outside the rally venue” before being shot dead by agents. The statement said the shooting left one spectator dead and two others “seriously injured.”
Trump said in his statement that he was “shot by a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
Secret Service agents help former President Trump off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday.
(Gene J. Puska/AP)
Trump thanked the Secret Service and expressed condolences to the killed and injured rally attendees.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) wrote on social media platform X that such violence “has no place in our society.”
Secret Service agents cover former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
(Evan Vucci/AP)
“As someone 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.
In 2022, her husband was attacked at their home in San Francisco.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the violence.
“It’s sick. It’s disgusting,” Biden said at a news conference.
President Biden spoke on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, about the shooting.
(Manuel Balce Seneta/AP)
Harris said she and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were “relieved” that Trump was not seriously injured.
“Our prayers go out to him, his family and all those injured and impacted by this senseless shooting,” Harris said. “We are grateful for the immediate action of the U.S. Secret Service, first responders and local authorities.
“Such violence has no place in our country. We must all condemn this abhorrent behavior and do our part to ensure it does not lead to more violence.
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) wrote that “political violence has no place in our democracy” and that he “can’t stop thinking about the former president and those who attended his rallies.”
“Thank you to law enforcement for their swift action to protect attendees,” he wrote.
Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., who was appointed by Newsom to serve the remainder of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s term, wrote that her “thoughts and prayers are with the former president.” Our thoughts are with Trump, his family, and all Americans who support this policy.” Attended the rally. We must not allow political violence to become acceptable in our democracy.
People hugged former President Trump as he was led to safety at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday.
(Gene J. Puska/AP)
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), who is running for Butler’s seat as California’s next U.S. senator, also released a statement.
“Shocked by this apparent assassination attempt,” Schiff wrote. “Our democracy has no place for political violence. Absolutely not. Thank you to law enforcement and the Secret Service for their quick response. Wish President Trump a speedy recovery.”
Schiff’s Republican opponent in the Senate race, former Dodgers star Steve Garvey, wrote on My thoughts are with the families of the innocent rally supporters.”
He also praised “the bravery of the Secret Service officers who courageously protected the former president and everyone present.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
