Michigan leaders condemn violence after shooting at Trump rally

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan political leaders from both parties on Saturday condemned violence after gunshots rang out at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, killing at least one rally attendee.

The gunman was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service agents, the Associated Press reports. After the shots were fired, Trump first dropped to the ground and was then whisked away by Secret Service with what appeared to be blood on his face. His campaign soon said he was “fine.” The AP reports the shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt.

President Joe Biden, Trump’s opponent in November, said he was grateful Trump seemed to be OK and that he was working to speak with him.

“There’s no place in America for this type of violence,” Biden told reporters in a shot news conference Saturday evening. “It’s sick. It’s sick.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also said there was “no place for political violence in this country, period.”

“This is not how we resolve our differences,” she wrote in a social media post . “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, a Democrat, was previously the target of a kidnapping plot that never came to fruition and was busted by law enforcement in 2020.

She posted more on social media Sunday, saying, in part:

“We should heed the words of President Lincoln who reminded us that, ‘We are not enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.’

“He was right. We can argue but we must center our common humanity. We must. We cannot forget the values that make us strong. We are a shining beacon of democracy and freedom in the world because we settle our stark differences at the ballot box. That’s what we do.”

WEST MICHIGAN LAWMAKER BLAMES RHETORIC

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, said he was “sad and angry, frankly, that people think that this is the right path to move forward.”

“This is the United States: We settle these disputes at the ballot box, not through violence,” he told News 8 in an interview via Zoom Saturday evening.

He blamed “ramped up,” “harsher and harder and edgier” rhetoric — perhaps to draw an audience or donations — for heightening some people’s emotions and contributing to a divisive political climate:

“I think the rhetoric that has been used has spurred this along — this whole notion that somehow democracy hangs in the balance of whether this person is going to be elected or not, is just beyond the pale,” Huizenga said.

He agreed when News 8 political reporter Rick Albin pointing out that both sides have used outrageous rhetoric.

“However, there is sort of this misnomer that violence is only quote-unquote ‘coming from the right,'” Huizenga said, before checking himself on listing some other acts of political violence. “I believe we need to be measured as a nation, we need to be measured for those of us in politics and in the news media and a number of other places.”

“(The rhetoric) is making what should be a peaceful transition of power, what should be the envy of the world, into a laughingstock if this is going to continue,” he added.

He said he did not know whether the shooting would lead to a change in how people speak about politics.

“What I suspect is this is going to change the campaign no matter what. Everything from venues to processes, to who’s invited, who’s allowed to be there, certainly screening and all the things that are going on,” Huizenga said.

Huizenga anticipated a intensive investigation into what happened to understand the shooter’s motives, “so that this doesn’t happen again to anyone on either side of the aisle.”

He also said he was told that work is underway to “double down” on security measures at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which starts Monday.

POLITICIANS OFFER PRAYERS, PRAISE OFFICERS

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said in an online statement that “political violence is never acceptable.” She praised the first responders at the rally.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said the violence was unacceptable and said she hoped those responsible for the “horrific act” were brought to justice.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, also a Democrat, said “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,” she posted on social media . “May this disturbing incident provide a turning point – away from hateful rhetoric and threats and towards civility for all.”

Michigan Republican Party Chair Pete Hoekstra, a former U.S. ambassador, called on people to pray for Trump.

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, called the situation “horrifying” and said in a social media post that she was praying for Trump. She also praised law enforcement for their swift reaction.

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican now running to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, called it a “somber moment for our nation.”

“We are praying for President Trump and all Americans today,” he posted on social media .

“Praying for President Trump, his family, and all Americans,” former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Grand Rapids, also a Senate candidate, posted .

Michigan state Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia, said in a statement that she was “disgusted and outraged by the heinous and cowardly assassination attempt” on Trump.

“This despicable act is an attack not only on President Trump but also on the foundations of our republic and the values we hold dear as Americans,” her statement continued.

“I stand firmly with President Trump and his family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I call on all Americans to unite in condemning this act of violence and in supporting Donald J. Trump,” Rigas added.

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, says “Every citizen should mourn this loss (the death of one rally attendee), hope for the swift recovery of those injured, and condemn this hateful act.”

“Patriotic Americans solve their differences at the ballot box, not with violence and gunfire. And the way to defend American democracy is with hard work and vigorous advocacy,” her statement said in part. “We should all be thankful for the quick action of law enforcement, who ensured the former president was safe and the attacker was quickly dealt with. But the death and injuries in an act of political violence are a new stain on our nation.”

She continued to say that “America’s political climate is toxic” and is not how the Founding Fathers designed the system to work.

“If you care to protect our democracy, we all must commit to the peaceful resolution of our differences and to calling out words and actions that threaten violence,” her statement said.

—News 8 political reporter Rick Albin contributed to this report.

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