Virginia’s elected officials react to shooting at Trump rally

In a rare move of bipartisanship, Virginia’s political leaders on Saturday came together to condemn an incident at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, that is now being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee.

“We were shocked and alarmed to learn of the violence that took place at the rally today. This is not a reflection of our shared values,” House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, and Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah County and the House minority leader, said in a joint statement.

“In America, we settle political differences through free and fair elections. There is no place for violence in politics. Every American has the right to gather peacefully and participate in our political system. We are praying for the victims and President Trump and their families.”

According to multiple media reports, Trump was whisked off the stage with blood on the side of his head and his ear after shots were fired just minutes into his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Authorities said later in the evening that the shooter was dead and an attendee of the rally was killed, with two additional attendees critically injured.

Trump’s campaign said he was “fine” after being moved from the stage into his limousine by Secret Service agents and rushed to a local medical facility.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that he and first lady Suzanne Youngkin were “praying for President Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America.”

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, also condemned the apparent assassination attempt of Trump.

“There is no place for political violence in a democracy,” Warner said on X. “I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.”

Kaine said that he was “deeply concerned” by Saturday’s incident and that he was “praying for President Trump and everyone at today’s event.”

Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, whose name was on a list carried by James Hodgkinson, who shot six people — including Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La. — at the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria in 2017, was one of the first Virginia lawmakers to weigh in Saturday.

Griffith said in a statement that “any and all forms of political violence” are unacceptable. “The event in Butler, Pennsylvania, involving President Trump is a deeply concerning development. As we wait to hear more from authorities, I urge all Americans to pray for the victims of this incident, the people of Pennsylvania and President Trump,” Griffith said.

Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt County, said that his and his wife Elizabeth’s thoughts and prayers were with Trump and his family. “Thank you to the brave Secret Service agents who risked their lives to protect the President,” Cline wrote on X.

Rep. Bob Good, R-Farmville, said in a statement that Saturday’s tragic shooting “reminds us of the evil that is present in the word, and the frailty and preciousness of life.”

“We thank God for protecting President Trump, and we pray for the families of the others who were victims of this horrific act. We also thank God for those who serve everyday and risk everything to keep others safe. May God continue to bless America.”

State Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland County, a Trump-endorsed candidate who defeated Good in last month’s GOP primary in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, said in a statement that he and his family were praying for Trump, his family, the rally attendees, first responders and the country.

“God clearly saved the life of Donald Trump today — Thank God Trump is OK. He is a fighter!

“Let’s keep an eye on each other. The enemy is not at the gate, the enemy is in the gate. Stay vigilant. We must pray, come together, and help Donald J. Trump save our country,” McGuire said.

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