Georgia's elected officials condemn shooting at Trump rally, offer prayers

In the wake of a shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Georgia’s elected officials took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their shock and concern for Trump’s wellbeing, and condemn the violence that unfolded.

The shooting, which is being investigated as an assassination attempt, left one person, two others critically injured, and the gunman dead on Saturday. The gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, outside Pittsburgh.

“We are all praying for former President Trump, his family, and everyone at the Pennsylvania rally,” wrote Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also weighed in, criticizing the violence.

“What happened today is unconscionable,” he wrote. “Violence has no place in the American political system. None. This attack and any like it cannot be tolerated. My prayers go to former President Trump and the others who may have been harmed.”

More: Trump rushed from rally, person dead after apparent gunshots; officials investigate as assassination attempt

Democratic figures, including Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, also expressed their concern over the violence.

“In America, we settle our political differences democratically − not violently,” Warnock said. “I am deeply saddened by today’s events in Pennsylvania. I condemn any violence aimed at former President Trump in the strongest terms, and pray for him, his family & our nation. We are better than this.”

“I join all Georgians and Americans in condemning this despicable act of violence and pray former President Trump makes a full recovery,” Ossoff said in a statement. “I thank the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response. Political violence is never acceptable and can never be tolerated.”

Congressman Buddy Carter, who represents Georgia's 1st Congressional district, offered prayers for the former president's wellbeing.

"Please join me in praying for the health and safety of President Trump and all those affected at his rally today," he wrote.

Former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after apparent gunshots rang out as he spoke to supporters at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. He appeared to have blood on his face, but was quickly confirmed to be "fine."

Reports noted that another person at the rally, who officials have not identified, was killed in the shooting. Another individual was in critical condition.

Trump reached for his ear when the noises happened, noted a report from USA Today. He had blood on his ear and cheek as he left the stage.

The former president was removed from the site by Secret Service. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung confirmed that the former president is "fine" but was seeing doctors at an area medical facility.

"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Cheung said in a statement issued Saturday.

Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on Georgia politics. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @MayaHoman.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia leaders respond to shooting at Trump rally in Pennsylvania