‘We need to stand strong’: West Virginia leaders share statements on Trump assassination attempt

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — West Virginia leaders have released statements in response to a reported shooting near Donald Trump’s Florida golf club.

In his statement, Governor Justice called the shooting a second assassination attempt on the former president and shared his prayers with Trump and his family. Since then, the incident has been called an assassination attempt by the FBI .

“Once again, my prayers are with President Trump and his family as they endure what appears to be a second assassination attempt on his life. This is not just another attack on President Trump, but an assault on everything we stand for as a democracy. We need to stand strong and remain united in the face of these threats,” Justice said.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin has released a statement in response to the shooting reported at Donald Trump’s Florida golf club.

“I unequivocally condemn the latest attempted attack on former President Donald Trump,” Pushkin. “Violence and assassination are antithetical to the democratic values that define our nation. In moments like these, it is crucial to remember that political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue, not through acts of hatred or violence. My thoughts are with the former president and his family during this difficult time.”

According to the Associated Press , Trump was quickly taken to safety when the shots began shortly before 2 p.m., and no injuries have been reported. The suspect arrested, Ryan Wesley Routh , is said to have been pointing a rifle with a scope at the golf club.

While AP says the FBI is labeling the shooting as an apparent assassination attempt, a motive has not yet been determined.

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