By Christen Smith | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Top state leaders condemned former President Donald Trump’s attempted assassination at a rally north of Pittsburgh on Saturday.
The statements flooded in just hours after a shooter opened fire at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, grazing Trump’s ear as he spoke to the crowd. One person died and another was injured during the attack, according to law enforcement.
U.S. Secret Service “neutralized” the shooter, seen by witnesses crawling on a rooftop with a rifle. No other details about the suspect have been made available.
“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro. “It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”
House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Lansdale, echoed the governor’s sentiments in an email sent Saturday evening.
“Political violence is never appropriate and must be condemned,” he said. “I pray for the former president, all those injured and the life lost to this heinous act. Love of our country and reverence for our democracy has never been more important.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Greensburg, thanked emergency responders and law enforcement who “assisted in keeping things safe and calm.”
“The resilience of America must overcome any gutless acts of violence,” she said. “Praying for President Trump, his family, and any innocent victims and their families who may have been harmed by this senseless act … God bless America.”