Oregon elected officials from both parties and all levels of the political stage condemned violence following the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, July 13.
The presumptive 2024 Republican Presidential nominee was wounded when a gunman opened fire during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. An ex-volunteer fire chief attending the rally was killed, and two others in the stands were critically wounded.
Live coverage and video show Trump addressing the crowd, then grabbing his right ear and dropping behind the podium. Secret Service agents rushed the stage and pulled Trump up, and blood could be seen on the right side of his face and right hand.
The would-be assassin was killed by the Secret Service, slowing the search that could help determine his motive. The FBI identified him as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, roughly 40 miles from where the rally was held. Explosives were reportedly found in his van parked near the rally and at his home.
No motive was immediately identified. According to media reports, Crooks was a registered Republican who donated $15 to a Democratic-aligned political action committee called the Progressive Turnout Project in January 2021.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win. I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from (the RNC convention in) Wisconsin,” Trump said on social media after being treated for a bullet wound to his right ear.
President Joe Biden called for unity in an Oval Office address on Sunday, July 14.
“All of us now face a time of testing as the election approaches,” Biden said. “There is no place in America for this kind of violence — for any violence. Ever. Period. No exception. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized.”
The Republican National Committee convention where Trump will be nominated and announce his vice-presidential running mate began in Milwaukee on Monday, July 15.
Local elected officials have since weighed in on the attempted assassination.
Area officials speak out
Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty said, “(Political) violence of any kind is unacceptable and un-American. Thankful the former president is okay and wish him a full recovery.
Tigard Mayor Heidi Lueb said, “Any form of political violence is indefensible and completely unacceptable in our democracy. I’m thankful former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt and my thoughts are with everyone who was impacted by today’s violence.”
The Washington County Republican Party of Oregon denounced the attack, saying in part, “We pray for and stand in solidarity with President Trump and his family, and with the other victims and their families. We pray for civility to return to our land. May God have mercy on our beloved nation — the United States of America.”
The Democratic Party of Washington County addressed the shooting in multiple social media posts.
“Civilized people make a difference through the ballot box, litigation and legislation. Violent rhetoric and symbolism are never appropriate,” one post read.
“Democrats defeat their opponents at the ballot box. Violence is NEVER the answer,” a second post read.
Political groups for the major political parties in Yamhill and Columbia counties did not release statements online after the shooting, as of Monday afternoon, July 15.
Oregon’s national representatives weigh in
Oregon’s representatives on the federal political stage unanimously condemned violence following the shooting.
“Violence in a political context is never acceptable, and our country is better than this. Thankful that the former president is recovering and grateful to all those on the front line that responded quickly,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley also spoke against political violence.
“Today’s shooting in Pennsylvania underlines clearly the danger of normalizing political violence,” Wyden said.
“Violence of any kind has no place in politics. My thoughts are with the former President and all event attendees,” Merkley said.
First District U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici made a statement condemning acts of violence prompted by ideological disagreements.
“I condemn all forms of political violence. Disagreements about policy or politics should never turn into physical attacks,” Bonamici said.
Sixth District U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas said she was grateful for the swift response from law enforcement.
“What happened today in Pennsylvania is appalling. Violence of any kind has no place in our country. I’m grateful for the quick response by law enforcement and thankful the former president is safe,” Salinas said.
State legislators comment
Many state leaders did not make statements following the shooting, but a few spoke out, concurring with overwhelming sentiments denouncing violence and divisiveness.
Oregon Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham released a statement condemning the attack and calling for bipartisan unity.
“Today, we should all be reminded that violence has absolutely no place in our political discourse. It threatens our country and the principles upon which it was built. This violent attack is not just an assault on one individual but on our collective values. This moment transcends political affiliations and ideologies,” Bonham stated.
“Political violence is unacceptable. It has no place in our democracy. We are better than this. I hope former President Trump is safe and recovers fully,” Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman of Tigard said.
“Regardless of your feelings for Former President Trump, it’s important for all Americans to condemn political violence. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, our brave law enforcement officers, and those who were present and traumatized by today’s events. We are better than this,” Rep. Jules Walters of West Linn said.
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