'The hatred toward one man is just awful': Ocala reacts to Donald Trump rally shooting

Marion County residents were shocked and praying for former President Donald J. Trump, who was injured at a campaign rally on Saturday in Pennsylvania.

Sue Mosley, a former Marion County School Board member, said: "Hatefulness and violence are not the answer."

"The hatred toward one man is just awful," Mosley said in a phone interview.

Mosley said liberal social media influencers have called for Trump to be taken out.

Shelia Arnett, who locally has ran for political office, said President Joe Biden at a rally on Monday said it's time to put Trump in a bull's-eye.

"There's no excuse for violence. Go to the ballot box and vote," Arnett said.

Former County Commissioner Glen Fiorello, who in 2015-16 managed the Trump campaign locally, said he's "shocked and severely disappointed" in what happened on Saturday.

Fiorello said he's saddened about the hatred toward a man who loves America, making reference to Trump.

He said he would love to see all God loving people stand up and "support President Donald J. Trump."

"This is good versus evil. Pray to the Lord. Let him know you love and trust him because he has a plan, and it's a good plan," Fiorello said.

'It's sick': Joe Biden condemns shooting at Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania

Other local people and office holders went to social media to express their concerns.

"Pray for our country," Rondo Fernandez wrote on Facebook.

Marion County Commission Chairwoman Michelle Stone wrote on Facebook: "I condemn every act of violence that comes against President Donald Trump. I trust God with our future and truly believe nothing can stop what God has ordained. #MAGA2024."

She added a scripture passage: "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." — Psalm 91:11

"Pray for President Donald Trump!" U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Gainesville, wrote on Facebook. Her district includes part of Marion County. In the first hour, the post had 537 comments and 2,400 reactions.

"President Trump will be stronger than ever. God bless this man. It’ll take more than this to stop him," U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz wrote on Facebook. Waltz, a Republican from St. Johns County, represents east Marion County

Jim Ross contributed to this report. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Donald Trump rally shooting: Ocala reacts with prayer, well wishes