Trump rally shooting elicits requests for peace from Rutherford Rep, Dem leaders

Rutherford County political party leaders responded to assassination attempt of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, calling for a peaceful democratic process leading up to the election.

Austin Maxwell, chairperson of the local Republican Party, said he could "relate" to Trump narrowly missing a bullet during the attempted assassination Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"As Chairman of the local GOP, I can relate to President Trump's situation, because I have also experienced God's grace and protection in a similar way," Maxwell said. "On March 29th, 2006, while fighting the enemies of freedom in Afghanistan, I too was grazed by a bullet to my face during a firefight with evil. If I had been to my left one inch, I would not be here today. My fellow soldiers and doctors told me that I was very lucky, and that it was a miracle that I was alive.

"As Republicans we support the democratic process, and we encourage all voters to make their voice be heard by supporting their candidates in a respectful and peaceful way. We condemn the violence and senseless tragedy that occurred (Saturday), and we stand united behind our candidate and future President Donald J. Trump."

Rutherford County Democratic Party chairperson Morgan Woodbury provided the following comments:

"We are saddened to hear about any person being put in danger, especially in the political arena where we put ourselves out there to stand up for the people," Woodbury said.

"The Rutherford County Democratic Party is glad to hear that former President Trump is doing well, and we would like to encourage people to continue to get out to the poles and early vote, so that this and similar situations do not continue to happen."

Top party leaders offer responses

The state party leaders also provided statements, including this statement from Tennessee Democratic Party chairperson Hendrell Remus:

"There is no place in America for political violence," Remus said. "I wish Donald Trump a full recovery. Despite our political differences, we should settle them at the ballot box and never through heinous acts of violence."

The Tennessee Republican Party provided this statement from chairperson Scott Golden:

"The tragic assassination attempt of President Donald Trump was another sad day in our nation’s history," Golden said. "It's obvious that the rhetoric being used in today’s political discussion is leading to unfortunate consequences. I am thankful that President Trump appears to be fine after the shooting. Both the president and his family are in the prayers of millions of Tennesseans."

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This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Shooting at Trump elicit requests for peace from Rutherford leaders