By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
Former President Donald Trump was injured in what law enforcement is treating as an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.
The presumed Republican presidential nominee was rushed offstage shortly after loud popping noises were heard. He was seen exiting the stage with several Secret Service members with a bloody right ear and a pumped fist, signaling to his supporters that he was okay.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024. Politicians on both sides of the aisle condemned political violence following the attempted assassination. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Trump’s campaign says the former president is “fine,” however, the extent of his injuries remains unknown.
According to authorities, one rally attendee and the suspected shooter are both confirmed dead following the event.
President Joe Biden issued a statement shortly after the news broke saying he is “grateful” that the former president is safe.
“I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” said Biden. “There’s no place for this kind of violence in America.”
Several political officials took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts about the incident.
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). “America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, (D-Vt.) condemned the alleged attack against Trump.
“Political violence is absolutely unacceptable,” said Sanders. “I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore stated that “political violence” is unacceptable.
“This kind of cowardice must be roundly condemned by all Americans. We have to be a country that can learn to disagree without turning to political violence,” said Moore. “I am praying for President Trump’s safety and recovery.”
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) blamed House Democrats and members of the media for the tragedy.
“The Democrats and the media are to blame for every drop of blood spilled today. For years and years, they’ve demonized him and his supporters,” said Greene. “Today, someone finally tried to take out the leader of our America First and the greatest President of all time.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence stated that he and his wife are “praying for President Trump and ask “every American to join” them.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a 2024 presidential candidate, stated that this is a time for Americans to come together.
“Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division,” said Kennedy. “Renounce all violence and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family.”
At this time, there is no word on whether this incident will impact Trump’s appearance at the Republican National Convention slated for July 15-18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
