Local officials shocked by shooting at Donald Trump rally

BUTLER, PA — Politicians across the Hudson Valley expressed sadness and disbelief after former President Donald Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination attempt while speaking at a rally outside Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Trump, his ear and face covered in blood, was quickly removed by Secret Service agents and was not seriously injured.

“I am in disbelief and praying for President Trump, law enforcement and those at the rally,” said Rep. Mark Molinaro (R, NY-19). “In the United States, our elections are decided by voters, not violence.”

Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) said he was “praying for President Trump and his family at a time of terrible tragedy for America.”

Rep. Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) thanked the Secret Service for their quick action.

“I pray for President Trump and anyone else injured to recover quickly,” Ryan added.

It was the first assassination attempt on a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was assassinated in 1981. The shooter at Trump’s rally was shot dead by the Secret Service, which said in a statement that “the former president is safe.” Another rallygoer was also killed in the shooting.

The assassination attempt came four months before the presidential election and days before Trump was officially nominated as the Republican nominee at his party’s convention in Milwaukee.

“There is no place for political violence in our democracy,” said Rep. Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh). “Thankfully, reports indicate that former President Trump is safe and his injuries are not life-threatening. I join all Americans in praying for his full recovery.”

Trump reached to his ear as popping noises occurred during his speech. Rally-goers began screaming as officers pushed Trump to the ground. He emerged from the ground behind a podium with blood on his ear and cheek as he left the stage.

The Secret Service evacuated Trump from the site and put him into an SUV as he raised his fist in the air.

“I am horrified by the attempted assassination of former President Trump,” said Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County). “Our nation is all too familiar with politically motivated acts of violence throughout history, and it pains me that we have not moved beyond these dark impulses. I condemn this act in the strongest possible terms.”

State Sen. Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) also condemned the violence, saying, “Even when our political divisions are deep and decisive, there is never a place for violence in our politics. Please join me in praying for President Trump, the family of the slain innocent bystander, and our nation.”

State Sen. Peter Harckham (D, Westchester) said, “I abhor political violence and condemn the attempted assassination of former President Trump today in Pennsylvania. There is no place for this kind of unthinkable action in our country.”

Nanuet Republican Sen. Bill Weber said, “No matter where you stand or what side of the aisle you agree with, political violence has no place in our democracy. We are better than this.”

Rep. Karl Brabenec (R, Deerpark) called the incident “scary, sad and shameful.”

“My condolences and prayers go out to the family of the rally participant killed and to all those injured by the actions of this coward,” Brabenec added. “I hope the injured and President Trump are well and recover quickly from their injuries.”

The Westchester County Board of Legislators released a statement Saturday night saying: “Our hearts go out to the victims of today’s incident in Pennsylvania. We are grateful for the immediate response by law enforcement and thankful that former President Trump is safe. The Westchester County Board of Legislators stands united against political violence in all its forms. We remain steadfast in our commitment to preventing violence and protecting our communities.”