Most leaders across the country issued statements immediately following what appears to have been an assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life. The former president was grazed by a bullet, which appeared to hit his ear during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Kelly Tshibaka, chair of the Trump campaign in Alaska, said, “This is a devastating and heinous incident. I pray for President Trump’s healing and protection, comfort and blessing for his family, and peace and unity for our nation. I also pray for the families of the attendees who were shot. Democrat leaders are responsible for this assassination attempt and gun violence. They admit Trump is tolerable behind closed doors but scream ‘danger to democracy’ in the media. For the sake of America, it’s time to cease and desist the inflammatory leftist rhetoric.”
Rep. Mary Peltola wrote: “This is an assassination attempt plain and simple. America is better than this. My thoughts are with President Trump and his family, and all at the rally.”
Although Peltola expressed sympathy, last year she was identified by Rep. Mari Glusenkamp-Perez as one who was rebuilding the Blue Dog Democrats into a “rural Antifa.” The shooter was identified as a possible member of the violent Antifa group.
The philanthropy director of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Northwest, which endorses Peltola, wrote he was “hoping and praying that the acting improves.”
Dustin Morris of Planned Parenthood has since deleted his social media post.
Sen Lisa Murkowski, by Must Read Alaska press time, had not issued a statement, several hours after the shooting. Earlier in the day, at about the time of the shooting, she wrote, “Congratulations to Anchorage’s own Jordan Iverson on completing the open-water triple crown swimming challenge by successfully swimming across the English Channel last month. We can all take a lesson from your determination.” Must Read Alaska will update this report when she does make a comment.
Update: At 6:18 p.m. Alaska time, Murkowski wrote, “What we saw today in Pennsylvania was horrifying. This is the United States of America: there is no place for violence in politics. We are all praying for the health and safety of former President Trump, the family of the bystander who was killed, and everyone who was at the rally.”
Sen. Dan Sullivan wrote, “As all of us await more information, Julie and I are praying that President Trump and those at the Pennsylvania rally are all okay.”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with President Trump, his family and those around him.The world is outraged! This is not how we settle our differences and I hope law enforcement brings those responsible to justice soon. I join millions of my fellow Americans who hope the President makes a speedy recovery.”
Congressional candidate Nick Begich wrote, “Alaska Stands with and is praying for President Trump! Let’s be clear about something right now. NO ONE will divide this nation. We are one nation under God, indivisible and no weapon fashioned against us shall prosper.”
Congressional candidate Nancy Dahlstrom wrote, “My prayers are with President Trump, I hope and pray everyone at this rally is safe.”
Elon Musk wrote, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
President Joe Biden issued a statement hours after the shooting: “I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
Vice President Kamala Harris wrote, “I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania. Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
A Seattle-based reporter posted this comment: “make america aim again.”
A field director for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, who was the head of the Jan. 6 Commission and who recently proposed removing Trump’s Secret Service protection, wished Trump’s assassin had been a better shot.
Senator London Lamar, a Democrat, wrote that it was the fault of Make America Great Again Republicans:
Brandon Straka commented: “The FBI has dedicated unprecedented resources and money to finding every elderly person who walked into the Capitol building and took pictures, but somehow missed that someone was plotting and carrying out an attempt to assassinate a former and possibly future President of the United States.”
