‘This is deeply disturbing. Violence has no place in a democracy,’ says Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija
In the days following an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania, political leaders have continued to call for calm.
The Saturday evening incident in Butler, Pa. left one person dead and two others wounded. Reports from the Associated Press indicate Trump was doing “fine,” per a campaign spokesperson, following the “shooting, which he said pierced the upper part of his right ear.” The gunman, a 20-year-old Bethel Park man, was killed by Secret Service agents, according to media reports.
Some 300 miles away In Montgomery County, elected officials took to social media, swiftly condemning the violent incident.
“We strongly condemn any form of violence, including yesterday’s targeting of former President Trump. Elections — the foundation of our democracy — must be free, fair, and conducted without violence. Violent acts have no place in our society,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder.
“This is deeply disturbing. Violence has no place in a democracy. My thoughts are with all who may have been injured in Butler,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija.
The Montgomery County Republican Committee reacted to the news in a post on X, offering “prayers for President Trump and his fantastic Secret Service detail.” The Blue Bell-based committee office is reportedly “closed to the public until further notice,” a spokesperson said in a separate post. However, the reasoning for the closure was unclear.
The message of unity continued from both sides of the aisle in Harrisburg as Republicans and Democrats together categorized the attack as reprehensible.
“Our prayers are with former President Trump, his family, and all those in attendance at the rally today. Violence is never the solution to political discord, it breeds hatred and hinders progress. We must stand in solidarity,” said state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-24th Dist.
“Political violence is never appropriate and must be condemned. I pray for the former president and all those injured and the life lost to this heinous act. Love for our country and reverence for our democracy has never been more important,” said state Rep. Matt Bradford, D-70th Dist.
Following Saturday’s incident, national leaders have also weighed in and called for the rhetoric to be toned down.
“I am deeply troubled to learn of the events in Butler today, and I am thankful the former president is safe. My prayers are with the former president, his family, all victims, and all in attendance at the rally. Political violence — any violence — has no place in our society,” said U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th Dist.
Biden addressed the nation Sunday evening and Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat and former Montgomery County commissioner, spoke at a press conference in western Pennsylvania. While he did not discuss items related to the ongoing investigation, Shapiro told reporters he’d spoken to the victims’ families and honored the memory of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during Saturday’s rally, who “died a hero,” protecting his family from the gunfire.
Shapiro ordered that the American flag and Pennsylvania state flag be flown at half-staff in honor of Comperatore. Flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset following Comperatore’s interment.
“Last night was shocking for this community, for this commonwealth and I know for this country. Political disagreements can never ever be addressed in violence,” Shapiro said during a press conference on Sunday. “Disagreements are OK, but we need to use a peaceful, political process to settle those differences.”
“This is a moment where all leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity, where all leaders need to take down the temperature, rise above the hateful rhetoric that exists, search for a better, brighter future for this nation,” he continued.
Republicans gathered on Monday in Milwaukee for the start of the Republican National Convention where Trump, the presumptive presidential nominee, is expected to announce his running mate, according to media reports.
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