Shreveport leaders respond to the attempted assassination of Former President Trump

Following the attack on former president Donald J. Trump on July 13, political figures in northwest Louisiana provided statements on the event.

Saturday evening Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania shot Trump during a campaign rally, injuring Trump's right ear and killing a spectator.

Crooks also seriously injured two spectators. He was killed by Secret Service agents minutes after the attempted assassination.

USA TODAY reported that Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that Crooks fired multiple shots toward the stage at approximately 6:15 p.m. CT., and that he had been positioned on a rooftop more than 100 yards from the rally site.

Responses from political figures

Mayor Tom Arceneaux

At 8:30 a.m. on July 14, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux released a statement via email.

Arceneaux's statement:

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of the senseless shootingyesterday evening. Our country should embrace love over hate and unity overdivision. There is no place for political violence in our country.

Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Sr.

Just before 10:30 a.m. on July 14, Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Sr. made a statement on the Sheriff's Office Facebook.

Whitehorn's statement:

Regardless of political differences, violence has no place in our society. In the wake of yesterday’s violent incident, I'm grateful that Former President Trump is safe. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who worked tirelessly to ensure his protection and the first responders who acted quickly during a time of crisis.We must acknowledge the tragic loss of life, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. May we find the courage to stand against violence and uphold the values of peace, respect, and compassion.

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.