Wilmington-area leaders react to assassination attempt on former President Trump

After Saturday's assassination attempt that left former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump injured at a campaign rally, leaders in the Cape Fear Region took to social media to condemn the actions that killed a rally attendee.

The shooting, at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania happened around 6:15 p.m., according to local authorities. Trump's Secret Service rushed him off the stage after several shots rang out. Two other attendees were listed as seriously injured. The shooter, who has been identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by Secret Service at the scene, according to authorities.

Republican state senator reacts

N.C. State Senator Michael Lee took to social media to condemn the acts on Saturday.

"I am deeply disturbed by the attempt on former President Trump's life. Violence has no place in our society, and we must condemn this act in the strongest terms," Lee wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "My thoughts and prayers are with the former President and all those affected by this heinous act."

Local leaders' social media responses

New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise responded on X: "I rarely am at a loss for words, but I have to confess that I have been simply stunned since I first learned about the assassination attempt on President Trump last night."

Scalise wrote that the news came as his family was celebrating his son's birthday: "I immediately felt a painful sadness for my son — and all other Americans — that this is the state of our nation. This is not the American way. This is not acceptable. Or, at least, it shouldn't be.

"But there are powerful forces that work daily to sow division and create chaos. We must not allow them to succeed anymore. How do we do that? Well, the best revenge is massive success, so let's win, and bigly."

Wilmington City Councilman Luke Waddell also took to X to express his support for Trump, while also condemning the actions.

"In the wake of this cowardly assassination attempt, my family is praying for President @realDonaldTrump and for our Nation," Waddell wrote.

New Hanover GOP social media reactions

The New Hanover County Republican Party released a statement and has been reposting statements from party leaders from the local level all the way up to the national level as well as thanking Lee, Scalise and Waddell for their support.

Party chair Nevin Carr III wrote in the statement: "Yesterday we witnessed an act of evil. We were less than an inch away from our nominee for President, Donald J. Trump, being assassinated. One innocent person was murdered, and two more are in the hospital. Our prayers go out to our fellow patriots who were victims of this heinous act.

Carr wrote that no matter what one thinks of Trump, "that man is willing to put his life on the line to represent us. He stands on the shoulders of millions and millions of Americans who have put their lives on the line for the sake of our freedom."

"FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!" Trump's words as he left the state after taking a bullet should resonate with us all," Carr wrote.

The statement urged voters to get involved if they have not been thus far and addressed the responses by some Democrats, calling the responses "sickening."

The statement wrapped up with a reminder from Carr that this should be a wake-up call to voters and that victory can only be achieved at the ballot box.

"Evil exists. We have the power to stop it. We have a duty to stop it," Carr wrote. "Pray for our country, and then take action."

New Hanover County Democratic Party releases a statement

The New Hanover County Democratic Party released a statement and has been reposting social media statements from state and national Democratic leaders who have condemned the acts of violence at the rally Saturday.

The statement, released by party chair Jill Hopman, condemns any and all forms of political violence, against any political leader, regardless of party affiliation. "While many facts have not yet been reported, yesterday's attempted assassination of former President Trump was an appalling and undemocratic act of cowardice," the statement says.

The party wished Trump, rally attendees and all victims of gun violence a healthy and speedy recovery.

"For centuries, the United States has been a beacon of hope around the world due to our free, fair and safe elections. They are a privilege that many countries still dream of achieving, one that we often (sadly) seem to take for granted," the statement says. "Despite our many political differences, we must stand together in protecting every American's right to free expression, free assembly, and more importantly, in safeguarding our right to vote, without fear or violence. Because the only way to win in politics is at the ballot box - and we urge all voters to remember that, always."

The party reposted a Facebook post from Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein, which said:"I am outraged by what happened tonight at President Trump's rally. Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in America."

Stein continued: "I pray for his health and am grateful he was able to walk off the state tonight. I appreciate the Secret Service and law enforcement for their immediate response. I am also praying for our deeply divided country," Stein's statement says. "People should be able to have differing opinions without fear of violence or threats."

Republican National Convention is Monday

The Republican National Convention is still scheduled to begin Monday in Milwaukee.

President Joe Biden condemned the acts of violence against Trump in a press conference Saturday night, saying that he reached out to Trump after the shooting.

"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence," Biden said in the press conference. "It's sick."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington-area leaders react to assassination attempt on former President Trump