'This can't happen': Stark, Summit officials and candidates condemn shooting of Trump

Stark and Summit County officials and area candidates of both parties condemned the assassination attempt Saturday on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Stark GOP chair says party mourns slain spectator

Stark County Republican Chairman Janet Weir Creighton said the incident — where the shooter and a spectator were killed, and two others were critically injured — was “tragic. Uncalled for. Disappointing. But you know what we will fight and he’s a fighter and we’re going to win in November."

Creighton, a Stark County commissioner, said members of the county Republican Party are upset about the death of the rally attendee.

"Our hearts go out to them. They were out there celebrating their freedom and their freedom to choose and to support someone and they ended up losing their life," Creighton said. "Of course, our prayers are with them and President Trump and ... the Secret Service. God bless them. Did you see how quick they responded?"

Creighton said, “We all need to agree to disagree. ... The hatred towards (Trump) is unbelievable to me."

Shooting video: Video captures chaotic moment when Trump reportedly shot on stage at rally

State Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus: 'This can't happen'

State Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus, R-Paris Township, said, "Violence should never take place anywhere especially in politics. We should be able to express our ideas without fear of retribution from political foes whether they're ordinary citizens or political foes. This can’t happen no matter what party you’re from."

He said when he's attended public events, he's felt some concern for his safety because "there’s always the crazy people out there."

More reaction: Ohio officials condemn violence, offer prayers for Trump after shooting at rally

Jane Timken: Any accomplices to act 'must suffer all consequences'

Jane Timken of Jackson Township, a former chairwoman of the Ohio Republican Party, wrote in a text, "I am praying for President Trump. This is unbelievable. Whoever planned this and all involved must suffer all consequences."

U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli 'incredibly thankful' to officers on scene

U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem Township, who represents eastern Stark County, said in a prepared statement, "I am deeply troubled by the events that transpired in Pennsylvania today. I am praying for the families of those affected, the rally attendees, and President Trump. I am incredibly thankful to the law enforcement officers on scene who assisted those at the event and ended this tragedy before any more lives were lost. We are a nation built on democracy and violence has no place on our soil.”

Rulli's spokeswoman Kaela Thompson wrote in a text message that a Rulli staff member was at the rally. He was not injured.

Ohio delegates prepare for Milwaukee convention, ponder safety

Thompson wrote Rulli was not at the rally and was preparing to depart for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which takes place this week. Rulli is one of Ohio's 79 delegates at the convention.

Latest updates: Trump shot in ear in apparent assassination attempt at rally; 1 attendee dead, 2 seriously injured

Amid the risk of political violence, Creighton, another delegate who will attend the convention, expressed confidence in security personnel and law enforcement keeping the convention attendees in Milwaukee safe. She expects "extra tight" security at the Republican and Democratic conventions this year.

“I’ve been to six of the seven (last) conventions, been a delegate seven times," she said. "And every time we go to a convention there’s always security concerns. But I have the utmost confidence in the local law enforcement jurisdictions, the Secret Service and we’ve always been safe. They do everything they can to safeguard us. And we can’t help it if there's a lunatic out there and unfortunately, we always have to be on our guard.”

Timken is also an Ohio delegate and a member of the Republican National Committee who got to Milwaukee the week before the Republican National Convention for RNC meetings there.

House candidate Kevin Coughlin says Americans will not be silenced

Former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin of Bath Township, the Republican congressional nominee for the U.S. House 13th District, said in a statement: "Violent criminals will not win. And the American people will not have their voices silenced by this aggression. Join me in praying for all affected, for President Trump, and for our nation.”

Coughlin is also a delegate to the GOP convention.

U,S. Rep. Emilia Sykes says political violence 'never acceptable'

The Democratic incumbent in the race, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron, tweeted on X: "Political violence is never acceptable. And is never justified under any circumstance. My thoughts and prayers are with all who were at the rally and my gratitude goes out to the Secret Service for their swift and decisive action."

Rulli's Democratic opponent in the 6th Congressional District race, Michael Kripchak of Youngstown said, "My thoughts to the family of the deceased and (those who are) currently in critical condition. Thank God that the president was only minorly injured, the former president, and political violence is unacceptable in our country period. Full stop. ... It’s horrible and disgusting. Again, there’s no place for political violence period."

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown expresses relief for Trump's safety

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, whose wife is writer Connie Schultz, issued this statement: "Connie and I are relieved that President Trump is safe, and are praying for the health and safety of all those attending the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, tonight, and for our country. ... We’re grateful to the law enforcement who responded immediately. Political violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in our democracy.”

Senate candidate Bernie Moreno decries 'act of evil'

His Republican opponent Bernie Moreno wrote that he and his wife Bridget Moreno "are grateful for the rapid response of law enforcement in the wake of tonight's heinous attack. We also want to extend our condolences to the people who we lost in this act of evil. ... Bridget and I are also overwhelmingly thankful that President Trump is doing well and has never stopped fighting for the people of this country no matter the personal sacrifice. We need President Trump — an American legend — now more than ever."

Sen. J.D. Vance says Biden campaign shares responsibility for shooting

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, considered a top candidate to be Trump's running mate, tweeted on X that the Biden campaign had some responsibility for the shooting.

"Today is not just some isolated incident," he said. "The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."

Summit GOP chief Bryan Williams calls shooting 'horrific'

Summit County Republican Chairman Bryan Williams wrote: "President Trump entered politics to make America great again. Today’s horrific assassination attempt on President Trump thankfully failed just as the bogus Russia collusion investigation, two baseless impeachments and four politically infected criminal indictments failed to stop Donald Trump’s crusade against a deep state that does not value America’s divine mandate to lead a world of peace and humanity. Summit County Republicans are praying that God bless and protect President Trump."

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik: 'Sad day for our country'

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, a Democrat, posted on X: "It is a sad day for our country, seeing political violence targeting former President Trump. Wishing him well — and hoping for better days ahead."

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. X formerly Twitter: @rwangREP. Reach April at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 'This can't happen': Stark, Summit officials and candidates condemn shooting of Trump