North Carolina officials condemn political violence following shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania

North Carolina State Capitol Photo: Clayton Henkel

North Carolina’s top politicians are speaking out and condemning Saturday’s violence at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania that ended with the former president being whisked off stage. Secret Service agents say that Trump is “fine” though the suspected shooter is dead.

Here’s some initial reaction from across North Carolina.

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis:

“This was a heinous assassination attempt and thank God that President Trump is safe. Keep praying for those who were shot. Violence in our political system can never be tolerated.”

Governor Roy Cooper:

“Violence has no place in our politics or communities. I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured.”

Lt. Governor Mark Robinson:

“In America right now, passions are inflamed on both sides of the aisle, but please let’s all remember who we are. We are Americans unless unified in the fact that violence has no place in political discourse. We must remain calm, we must remain steadfast, and we must remain
unified on at least that point.

For the safety of our country and our citizens and for our republic as a whole, we need calm, we need peace, and we need to realize again, violence has no place in political discourse. I’m praying for the entire country, I’m praying for North Carolina, I’m praying for President Trump.”

Attorney General Josh Stein:

“I am outraged by what happened tonight at President Trump’s rally. Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in America.

I pray for his health and am grateful he was able to walk off the stage tonight. I appreciate the secret service and law enforcement for their immediate response.

I am also praying for our deeply divided country. People should be able to have differing opinions without fear of violence or threats.”

Rep. Jeff Jackson:

“Whoever did this must be held fully accountable. Political violence indelibly stains countries. It must always, always be rejected.

Our sincere appreciation to the Secret Service, and may our former president recover quickly and fully.”

Rep. Dan Bishop:

“Pray for President Trump and for our nation.”

U.S. Senator Ted Budd:

“Praying for President Trump and everyone at the Pennsylvania rally. Pray for our country.”

Senate President Pro-Tem Phil Berger:

“Praying for President Trump and our nation.“

Bob Orr and Jennifer Roberts, co-chairs of North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections:

“The North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections condemns today’s violence targeting former President Trump in the strongest terms. Acknowledging that we do not yet have all the facts, we are nevertheless deeply concerned at what appears to be a politically motivated incident. Our thoughts are with President Trump and all those affected by this act of violence.”

Anderson Clayton, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party

“There is no place for violence ever in our politics, in our society, or in our communities. The @NCDemParty condemns this attack on Donald Trump and we are relieved to hear that he will be okay.”

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