(The Center Square) – Michigan politicians from both sides of the aisle took to social media this weekend to show support for former President Donald Trump following an attempted assassination at a campaign rally.
Trump’s upper ear was pierced by a rifle’s bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, narrowly missing his forehead. Since then, many voices have come forward to condemn the murder attempt, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan GOP Chairman Pete Hoekstra.
Whitmer issued a lengthy statement the day after the attempted assassination, referencing other political acts of violence, including her own kidnapping plot.
“The shooting of former President Trump was a disgusting act of violence that caps off an alarming, years-long trend in our politics,” Whitmer said. “There have been incidents we all know: a shooting at a practice for the Congressional baseball game, the plot to kidnap and kill me, the storming of the Capitol, and an in-home assault on the former speaker of the house’s husband.”
The governor noted how political divisiveness can affect young people, including those voting for the first time this year.
“I’m also thinking of our kids. First-time voters in this year’s election were born in 2006,” Whitmer said. “Think of what they have seen. Imagine what they must think about our politics. Is it a hopeful, inspiring arena where you can argue passionately for what you believe in? No. For much of their lives, politics has been dark, defined by worsening rhetoric and violence.”
Hoekstra, who is also Trump’s former ambassador to the Netherlands, used it as any opportunity to wholly endorse the presidential candidate.
“Saturday’s horrific shooting showed the nation President Trump’s character and resilience,” Hoekstra said. “Michiganders saw the face of true leadership and strength in the midst of evil, and that’s the type of President we need. His determination to not be stopped is inspiring and I fully expect his address at the RNC Convention will portray that.”
Many members of Congress took to social media to express their sympathy, such as U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar, R-Caledonia, John James, R-Shelby Township, and Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township.
McClain, who serves as House GOP secretary, posted the now-famous photo taken by Evan Vucci of Trump, blood-splattered, holding his fist defiantly in front of the American flag.
Her caption reads, “God Bless President Trump. We are praying for you!”
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat, also expressed her thoughts on social media.
“I am watching the news from the Trump rally and hoping for the safety of the former president," Slotkin said. "I’m thankful for the swift response from the Secret Service and law enforcement. Political violence has no place in our country and I wholly condemn it, as all Americans should.”
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