Alabama leaders release statements on shooting at Trump rally

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say , according to The Associated Press.

Trump posted on the social media site Truth Social that a bullet “pierced the upper part of my right ear.”

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

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”

The U.S. Secret Service stated the “former President is safe.” The Associated Press is reporting the presumptive Republican nominee said “Oh” as the first shot rang out and grabbed his ear for the next two pops that were heard.

Trump crouched down and last seen reaching his right head to toward his face. There appeared to be blood on his face. Agents from his protective detail rushed to the stage and tended to him. Trump got up, pumped his fist and escorted off stage. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said in a phone interview to The Associated Press the suspected gunman was dead, and at least one rally attendee was killed.

Below are statements from Alabama leaders regarding the alleged attempted assassination of Trump:

My thoughts and prayers are with President Donald Trump and his family. I ask Alabamians to join me in praying for his swift recovery.

Gov. Kay Ivey

God bless President Trump. Our prayers are with him.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville

Please pray for President Trump.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt

I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. Political violence of any kind has NO place in the United States of America. My thoughts are with former President Trump and anyone else who may have been injured.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07)

Everyone please join me in praying for President Trump.”

“Once again, the nation is witness to political extremism at its worst. The attempt today on President Trump’s life is a stark and deadly reminder of how divided we are as a nation. I condemn all forms of political violence.

“Ann and I thank God that President Trump survived this assassination attempt and we are praying for healing and protection for him. We are also praying for the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives and for a full recovery of the others who were wounded.”

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06)

I’m closely monitoring what has unfolded in Pennsylvania. Of course I’m praying for President Trump and that he was not seriously injured.

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

President Trump is a fighter and will not be intimidated by such barbarism. I am thankful for the law enforcement officers that kept our president safe and I wish him a speedy recovery. I am confident the parties responsible will face justice.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03)

Everyone please join me in praying for President Trump.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02)

I’m praying for President Trump and his family following today’s horrific act of violence.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (AL-05)

Please join me in praying for President Trump.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth

Please join me in praying for President Trump and those affected at his rally today.

Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Nathaniel Ledbetter

This act of violence against President Trump is sickening and disheartening. Prayerfully, he and his team are safe. Tuscaloosa is grateful for the quick response of the Secret Service and law enforcement.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox

The Alabama Republican Party is heartbroken by today’s attack on President Donald Trump. This disgraceful act of violence has no place in our society and is an attack on the very principles of freedom and liberty. We stand in unwavering support of President Trump, his family, and the others injured and killed in this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragedy.

“As a society, we must come together and reaffirm our commitment to civility, respect, and peaceful political engagement. Let’s be clear, the mainstream media’s relentless demonization and vilification of Donald Trump is partially responsible for this tragedy. Their political bias towards a presidential candidate only serves to sow division and discord within our nation. The American people deserve better. It is time for everyone to step back from political rhetoric, and look at every person as an individual made in the image of God. I call on the Democratic Party and mainstream media to stop their inflammatory attacks, which incites individuals against Donald Trump and his supporters.

“The Alabama Republican Party remains dedicated to upholding respectful discussion and peaceful political engagement. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals can participate in the political process free from fear or intimidation, regardless of their political affiliation.”

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl

I’m thankful former president Donald Trump is safe following the attempt on his life. Though political rhetoric has become more divisive then ever before, political violence from either side is indefensible and a betrayal of what our democracy stands for.

We must come together and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all political candidates and maintaining the integrity of our democratic process.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed

Pray for President Donald Trump and for America.

We need to return this kind of determination to the White House.

President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate Greg Reed

Join me in prayer for President Trump, his family, and everyone at the rally following the cowardly attack on his life. His bravery and resilience show the strength of America. May God protect our great country.

Majority Leader of the Alabama Senate Steve Livingston

Americans, regardless of political party, need to stop and pray for Pres. Trump and for our country.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall

May God bless @realDonaldTrump , the Secret Service men and women who serve to protect and may God bless this nation.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen

My prayers are with President Trump and his family, and the families of the rally attendees who were shot. President Trump is a powerful leader. He never wavers. He is always out front. He is physically courageous, and he will not be intimidated from taking his case directly to the American people. You can be sure this won’t stop President Trump.

“Americans of every party must condemn political violence. There must be no equivocation.”

Former U.S. Attorney General and Senator Jeff Sessions

While we are waiting for the factual circumstances of this incident, it seems apparent that this is a shooting and likely represents an attempt on the former president’s life. That is appalling. Reports are that former President Trump is safe. We as a country—no matter our differences—should be grateful for that. Condolences to the friends and family of those spectators who were killed or injured.”

Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn

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