Top Democrats condemn political violence after Trump assassination attempt

Top Democratic lawmakers joined former President Donald Trump's Republican allies in condemning political violence after he was shot in an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania Saturday.

The presumptive Republican nominee's campaign released a statement saying Trump was "fine" shortly after the Secret Service rushed him off stage with blood dripping on his face.

One person attending the rally is dead, and two others are in serious condition. The suspected shooter, who officials confirmed is also dead, fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally, according to Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. Trump confirmed he was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear in a post on Truth Social.

"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," Trump said. "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."

Prayers and concerns for the former president poured in from his political allies and rivals after the news broke.

'No place in our society'

President Joe Biden called the shooting "sick" and said he had not spoken to Trump but hoped he would get the chance to Saturday night.

Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., posted a statement to social media condemning the shooting referencing the fact her husband survived a violent attack by a right-wing conspiracy theorist in their San Francisco home in 2022.

"As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society," Pelosi said. "I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also posted statements to social media condemning political violence after the shooting.

"I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country," Schumer said.

Jeffries said his "thoughts and prayers" were with the former president.

"I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable," Jeffries said.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @rachelbarber_

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pelosi, Schumer and Jeffries condemn Trump rally shooting