Chairmen for the Republican and Democratic committees of Jefferson County reacted to Saturday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Trump was apparently hit in the right ear by a bullet while he was speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., near Pittsburgh. Secret Service members covered Trump immediately after gunshots rang, as blood streamed down the right side of the former president’s face.
“We Thank God President Trump is OK,” Jefferson County Republican Chairman David Singer wrote via email Saturday evening. “Our prayers go out to those innocent people who lost their lives, to their families and to those who were injured (Saturday) at President Trump’s Rally in Pennsylvania, during the heinous attempt to assassinate him.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told The Washington Post the shooting killed Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old father of two daughters whom he said died trying to protect his family. Two others were critically injured, according to the newspaper.
The FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa. The Post reported Crooks was shot to death by the Secret Service and appeared to act alone, citing the FBI and other authorities.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We thank the Secret Service and all law enforcement involved who acted in the bravest tradition in this situation,” Singer wrote. “They are truly heroes.”
Singer also cited comments from Eric Trump via Fox News, saying his father “is the toughest man he knows.”
“We would have to agree,” Singer concluded.
On Sunday Jefferson County Democratic Chairman Ted Davis said his committee denounces the “violent attempt” on Trump’s life.
“There is no place in our democratic society for behavior such as this,” Davis said via text. “We also extend our condolences to the families of the attendees that lost their lives. We must all work, regardless of political party, to put an end to political violence.”