Connecticut lawmakers respond to Trump rally shooting, condemn political violence

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut lawmakers are calling for an investigation after former president Donald Trump was shot at a rally over the weekend.

Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn) said that he was “horrified” that the citizens at Trump’s rally were there to express their first amendment rights at a political gathering were subject to that “outrageous violence” as a result.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn) echoed similar remarks of Courtney, calling it “heartbreaking” that a firefighter lost his life as a result of the violence.

“He saved the lives of his family and lost his life,” DeLauro said. “He went to a rally, and whether or not you are supportive or not supportive of the individual, that’s our democracy. Rallies and the democratic process.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) is concerned about the security failures that led to the shooting.

“I think there needs to be a thorough penetrating review of the security failure that occurred, permitting this shooter to advance withing 164 yards of Donald Trump while he was speaking at a rally on a rooftop within plain view,” Blumenthal said.

Courtney continued by saying that he hopes the shooting will serve as a wake up call to America in what he calls a “divided time.”

“Hopefully, this is a moment where both sides in a divided time in our country, will pause and really re-group in terms of trying to remember that if we are going to succeed as a country, we are going to have to respect each other’s ability to participate in a free and open democracy,” Courtney said.

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