Michigan leaders send prayers to Trump after shooting, condemn political violence

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is shown covered by U.S. Secret Service agents after an incident during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Updated, 1:50 p.m. 7/15/24

A chaotic scene unfolded after gunshots rang out at a former President Donald Trump rally Saturday in Butler, Penn., with law enforcement confirming that an attendee and the shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, are dead. Trump said that a bullet grazed his ear, but his campaign said he was “fine” after being rushed to a hospital.

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place,” Trump wrote on social media.

Reactions to the shooting from Michigan elected officials from both sides have poured in.

“Shots were just fired at President Trump. Please stop what you’re doing and pray. Pray for President Trump. Pray for those in attendance. Pray for our heroic Law Enforcement. Pray for our Country. This has no place in America,” U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Bruce Twp.) said.

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland) said, “Praying for President Trump and everyone at his rally today,” while U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg said, “Praying for President Trump.” And Michigan GOP Chair Pete Hoekstra said, “Pray for President Trump and America.”

U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) posted several times Saturday on social media, first writing,”Please pray for President Trump, and all those involved, following the shooting that took place at his rally today.”

Then James posted:

And he then tweeted:

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who was the subject of a kidnapping and assassination plot in response to her pandemic health orders in 2020, said she was “horrified” by the incident.

“There is no place for political violence in this country, period. This is not how we solve our differences. I am horrified to learn of this news, and we will be following the situation closely. I am grateful for those in law enforcement who stepped in immediately,” Whitmer said.

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee said, “Violence is never the answer.  I am glad the former President is safe. Hoping that others in attendance at today’s rally are too. I am following this situation closely and thankful for the Secret Service and law enforcement for responding immediately to this terrible incident.”

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar said, “My thoughts are with former President Trump and the Trump family. Violence like this has no place in our nation.”

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson condemned political violence.

“Political violence is unacceptable, anytime, anywhere, against anyone. I pray for the swift recovery of the former president and am grateful for all in law enforcement who stepped in to protect everyone at the rally from further violence. May this disturbing incident provide a turning point – away from hateful rhetoric and threats and towards civility for all,” Benson said.

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