East Tennessee lawmakers react to shooting at Trump rally

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Lawmakers in East Tennessee are reacting to what the Associated Press has called an attempted assassination of Former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

As Trump spoke during the rally, apparent gunshots were heard and the former president was seen grabbing his ear before being tackled to the ground by secret service members. Although it was not immediately clear if Trump had been shot, the former president’s campaign quickly said he was “fine.”

Quickly following the shooting, Tennessee lawmakers shared statements that they were praying for the Former President and condemning political violence.

Maria & I ask Tennesseans to join us in praying for President Trump & his family, & all who were in attendance at today’s rally in Pennsylvania.

Governor Bill Lee

We condemn political violence of any kind, under any circumstances. We thank the Secret Service for their quick action and we hope and pray Former President Trump and others are not injured.

State Representative Gloria Johnson

PRAY for ⁦@realDonaldTrump

Congressman Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee

I am horrified by the violence at a rally for President Trump and I’m thankful he appears to be ok.

As a survivor of gun violence, I feel for all those who attended and am so sorry for the loss of innocent life.

Violence is never the answer to political differences.

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon

“I can’t help but believe this is the result of all the hateful, violent rhetoric directed at Donald Trump. Nevertheless, Trump stands strong and I stand with him. We’re going to take this country back and we will Make America Great Again no matter what comes,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said in part.

“President Trump, by the grace of God, has survived this vile attempt on his life. He is truly a once in a generation leader and I will continue to pray, knowing that God will be watching out for him always,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'”

Praying for President Trump!
Thankful for the quick and selfless response of the @SecretService.

Representative Jason Zachary

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti also issued a statement condeming cowardly violence and praising the Secret Service’s actions.

Cowardly violence has no place in US elections.

God bless the Secret Service for putting their bodies on the line to protect President Trump.

We pray for President Trump’s health following the attack, for the safety of both candidates, and for the stability of our republic.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti

Following the shooting, Butler County, Pennsylvania district attorney Richard Goldinger said the suspected gunman was dead and at least one person who was attending the rally was killed.

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