'Stand united': West Tennessee legislators, leaders react to attempted Trump assassination

Sarah Best, Jackson Sun
·2 min read
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with a bloodied face while he is assisted by U.S. Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with a bloodied face while he is assisted by U.S. Secret Service personnel after he was shot in the right ear during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 13, 2024.
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In the hours following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania, legislators in West Tennessee weighed in with their reactions.

During a pro-Trump rally in Butler County, shots were fired at Trump while he was on stage, one striking his upper ear.

One spectator was killed and two others were critically injured before the suspected gunman, identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by the Secret Service.

"I'm praying for all of them to recover, praying for the family of the young man, and of course, I'm praying for President Trump," said Sen. Ed Jackson, R-Jackson, District 25.

Tennessee Senator Ed Jackson shakes hands with an. during the 86th annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Parade in Humboldt, Tenn., on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Tennessee Senator Ed Jackson shakes hands with an. during the 86th annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Parade in Humboldt, Tenn., on Friday, May 10, 2024.

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He says conversations with his fellow legislators reflect a general shock over Saturday's incident.

In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Jackson says he hoped and prayed then that it wouldn't happen again.

"It's just unbelievable that this could happen," he said. "Political violence in any form has no place in America."

Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey speaks during the Pray4TN Demonstration outside Madison County Courthouse in Jackson, Tenn., on Monday, July 8, 2024.
Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey speaks during the Pray4TN Demonstration outside Madison County Courthouse in Jackson, Tenn., on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Madison County Mayor AJ Massey and Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tennessee, 8th District respectively encouraged prayers for Trump on social media.

Kustoff shared the following statement with the Jackson Sun:

Rep. David Kustoff seen during the 86th annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Governor's Luncheon in Humboldt, Tenn., on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Rep. David Kustoff seen during the 86th annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Governor's Luncheon in Humboldt, Tenn., on Friday, May 10, 2024.

“Yesterday’s assassination attempt against President Trump was a senseless act of violence that has no place in the United States and no place in democracy. Roberta and I will continue to pray for President Trump, those at the rally, and for our country.”

Political violence goes beyond party lines as Democrats and Republicans alike are dissecting the assassination attempt. Chairman Larry Greer of the Madison County Democratic Party described the attempt as "reprehensible."

"It is a sad day when people cannot go to a political event, or any event for that matter, and not be safe. We must do better to protect our democracy and restore civility to our politics," he said.

Jackson Mayor Scott Conger speaks with media after the July Jackson City Council Meeting inside Jackson City Hall on Thursday, Jul. 6, 2023.
Jackson Mayor Scott Conger speaks with media after the July Jackson City Council Meeting inside Jackson City Hall on Thursday, Jul. 6, 2023.

City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger was also among the local legislators to condemn political violence.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. This is a painful and troubling moment for our nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the former President and his family during this difficult time," Conger wrote.

"In moments like these, we must come together against these acts of violence. Let's stand united, supporting each other and reaffirming our commitment to peace and democracy. We are stronger when we face challenges together with compassion and solidarity."

Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: West TN legislators weigh in on attempted Trump assassination