Fayetteville, Cumberland political leaders react to Trump shooting

Political leaders with Fayetteville and Cumberland County ties condemned Saturday’s shooting at a rally for Donald Trump that wounded the former president and Republican presidential nominee and killed an attendee.

The shooting happened around 6:15 p.m., according to local authorities at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Members of Trump's Secret Service detail rushed him off the state after several shots rang out. Two other attendees were listed as seriously injured. The shooter, identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service.

More: Trump's ear shot at rally in assassination attempt; gunman killed

Cumberland Republican Party chair reacts

Nina Morton, chairwoman of the Cumberland County Republican Party, said in a statement: “The Cumberland County Republican Party decries this heinous act of violence against Donald J. Trump. Our commitment to fostering respect and nonviolent conflict resolution remains unwavering, regardless of political beliefs.

More: The U.S. can avoid the abyss of political violence

“I respectfully ask all Americans to offer their sincere prayers for the individuals who were either injured or lost their lives at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Furthermore, I urge the Republican Party to unite in the face of adversity and emerge stronger.”

She signed the statement, “Yours in Liberty.”

Fayetteville mayor's statement

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, who has endorsed Democratic President Joe Biden for reelection said in a statement: “My thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump, his family, and all those hurt and injured during this senseless act of violence. I hope this will bring us closer together and remind us that we are all Americans first, regardless of our political differences.

More: We are all impacted by gun violence. Here is what we can do.

They joined leaders in across the political spectrum in denouncing the attacks, which is being investigated as an assassination attempt, according to the Associated Press and other media outlets. Trump on Saturday evening posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, that he was shot with a bullet that “pierced the upper part of my right ear.” He thanked the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement and extended condolences to the family of the person killed at the rally.

U.S. Rep. Hudson condemns political violence

Republican Rep. Richard Hudson, whose 9th Congressional District includes part of Fayetteville, tweeted on Saturday: “Renee and I are praying for President Donald Trump and everyone at the campaign rally, and we thank the brave law enforcement for their swift action.

“Political violence like this is anti-American.”

Republican Rep. David Rouzer, whose 7th Congressional District includes parts of Fayetteville, tweeted: “Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania.”

Republican National Convention is Monday

Butler is located just over 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. The shooting happened shortly before the start of the Republican National Convention, scheduled to begin Monday in Milwaukee.

President Biden in a press conference Saturday evening called the shooting "sick." He spoke to Trump on Saturday night.

"It's one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” he said at the presser. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”

Opinion Editor Myron B. Pitts can be reached at mpitts@fayobserver.com 910-486-3559. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville-area political leaders react to Trump rally shooting