Northwestern Pa. officials denounce political violence after Trump assassination attempt

Officials from throughout western Pennsylvania remain stunned just hours after the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump at a rally Saturday evening in Butler County.

The alleged gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by the U.S. Secret Service within seconds of firing eight rounds from an AR-style rifle. One of those rounds struck Trump's ear, and he grabbed the side of his head before dropping to the floor for cover and being surrounded by Secret Service agents. One rally attendee was killed and another was severely wounded.

Live updates: Trump says 'God alone' spared him after brazen rally shooting

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th Dist., who was seated just feet away from Trump as the former president held his final rally before this week's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, posted on Facebook that he was at the event at the Butler Farm Show Grounds with family and staff.

"We are safe and we are praying for Mr. Trump and everyone involved," Kelly wrote. "Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action."

Here's what others are saying:

U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-15th District

"Our prayers tonight will be with President Trump, the families impacted by these heinous actions, and for the future of our great country," Thompson wrote on X. "My sincere appreciation goes out to those brave members of law enforcement who eliminated the threat and put themselves in harms way to protect the public.

"The assassination attempt on President Trump is shocking and abhorrent," Thompson added. "I am deeply upset to learn that another person has fell at the hand of this coward."

State Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-49th Senate District

"There are no defensible words for what happened today in Butler. Politics should never escalate to such a level," Laughlin wrote on X and Facebook. "I pray for our country, President Trump, and the safety of those present at today’s rally."

More: Pennsylvania political leaders condemn Trump shooting at Butler County rally

State Rep. Jake Banta, R-4th Legislative District

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who suffered loss and President Trump," Banta wrote in part in a longer Facebook post Sunday morning, indicating he had been present at the rally. "My thoughts are for the families who lost a loved one and suffer today. Those families went to a rally of people where thousands stood together in red, white and blue and prayed and sang our nations anthem together side by side."

State Rep. Robert Merski, D-2nd Legislative District

"Violence is never the answer," Merski said on Facebook. "Political violence has no place in our country. Thank you to the Secret Service, law enforcement, and first responders for their immediate action in protecting the former president and all those at the rally. Prayers for peace and healing in our nation. We must ALL do our part to tone down the rhetoric and remember that our neighbors are not our enemies. Hate has no place in a civilized society."

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Legislative District

"Violence targeted at any political party or leader is never acceptable," Bizzarro said on Facebook. "We MUST tone down the rhetoric. It’s not supposed to be this way. We must do better."

Erie Mayor Joe Schember

"There is no place for violence in our country ― not at political rallies, not in schools, not in grocery stores, not at concerts," Schember, a Democrat, wrote on Facebook.

"I’m grateful President Trump wasn’t more seriously injured and pray for him and the families of attendees and the other victims at his rally who experienced a nightmare yesterday that no one should experience.

"I love Erie and am thankful to the Erie police for working to keep our community safe every day. Neighbors can speak different languages, vote for different parties, and still have respect for each other and live peacefully, making it a truly diverse and welcoming place."

Erie County Republican Party

"Pray for President Trump, for those at the rally and our country," the party wrote on Facebook.

20 feet from Trump: Pa. Republican delegate describes assassination attempt at Butler rally

Erie County Democratic Party

"We strongly condemn this act of violence against Trump and firmly stand against any form of political violence," the local party wrote on Facebook. "Such actions undermine the democratic process and the principles of peaceful discourse that are foundational to our society."

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: NW PA lawmakers: 'Political violence is never the answer'