'Political violence is never the answer': Area lawmakers react to Trump rally shooting

Virginia leaders on both sides of the aisle are condemning the shooting Saturday afternoon at a Pennsylvania political rally that slightly injured former President Donald Trump and killed one attendee.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, believed at one time to be on the list of potential running mates for the GOP ticket this year says he is “praying” for Trump and his family.

“Suzanne and I are praying for President Trump, praying for his family and praying for America,” Youngkin posted on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account moments after the incident at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

Trump was speaking to the crowd when the first of about eight shots rang out. He grabbed his right ear and dropped to the ground before being shielded by Secret Service agents.

After several moments, Trump was raised up and whisked off the stage to a waiting vehicle. His ear appeared to be bloodied but was able to raise his fist toward the crowd and allegedly shout, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

The reported shooter is dead, as is one rally spectator.

Per USA TODAY, a spokesperson for Trump described the former president as “fine” and being checked out at a local medical facility.

‘God help us all’

Other Virginia Republicans are reacting to what happened.

Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, said she left church Saturday evening “with a heavy heart” after hearing the news.

“At a moment like this, we must come together united by our shared belief that political violence has no place in our country,” Coyner posted on Facebook. “Let us all pray for a swift recovery and for the healing of our nation.

“May we find strength in unity, peace in our shared humanity and faith in each other by remembering there is much more that unites than divides us as Americans.”

The Republican Party of Virginia issued its own statement echoing what Coyner said.

“Political violence has no place in our country,” RPV said on X.

Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, said she was “relieved President Trump is OK” and she was “thankful” for the immediate reaction to protect him by the Secret Service.

“Political violence is never the answer,” Taylor said, adding that she was praying “for President Trump, those injured and our nation.”

"I decry the senseless violence against President Trump," Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights, said on Facebook. "This type of behavior has no place in our society. I grieve for the lives lost and pray for healing for the injured and our nation. God help us all."

Former state Sen. Amanda Chase of Chesterfield, one of the more vocal Trump supporters in the state, said the attempt on Trump’s life was because “the oligarchs want to take him out.” Despite those efforts, Chase said, Trump’s popularity has only increased.

“Thank God President Trump’s guardian angels were watching over him today,” Chase said, adding, “We must stay vigilant but never fearful.”

Democrat 'sickened'

Across the political aisle, local Democrats used words like “sickened” and “troubling” in reacting to the shooting.

“Violence of any kind is unacceptable,” Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4^th, said on X. “I am sickened by what happened in Pennsylvania today and grateful the former president is safe.”

State Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, said the nation should be able to have differences “that don’t lead to personal harm” to each other.

“It’s more troubling that today’s incident appears to be politically motivated,” Aird said, “which I condemn to the fullest extent.”

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, said there is no place “in a democracy” for political violence.

“I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally,” Warner wrote on X.

Warner’s colleague, Sen. Tim Kaine, was succinct in his assessment on X.

“I’m deeply concerned by this situation and am praying for President Trump and everyone at today’s event,” Kaine said.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Virginia political leaders react to shooting at Trump rally