California lawmakers quickly called for prayers and denounced violence after former President Donald Trump was taken away from a campaign rally following apparent gunshots.
“Violence has no place in our democracy,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X, formerly called Twitter. “My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today.”
During Saturday’s rally, bangs could be heard ringing out, and the former president could be seen reaching toward his ear before dropping to the ground. His protective detail quickly covered him, and rushed him off the stage. Trump appeared to have blood on his face, and before being whisked away, he raised his fist in the air.
The U.S. Secret Service said the former president was “safe” after the “incident” and a campaign spokesperson said he was being checked out at a local medical facility.
Law enforcement is investigating the attack as an assassination attempt, according to the Associated Press. The shooter was killed by Secret Service, law enforcement told the Associated Press.
“As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society,” said former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on social media. “I thank God that former President Trump is safe.”
“Horrified by this apparent assassination attempt. There is no place for political violence in our democracy,” Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, posted on social media. “Absolutely none.”
Schiff added: “Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery.”
“There is no place in our democracy for political violence,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “I am keeping the former President and those attending his rally in my thoughts. Grateful for law enforcement’s quick action to protect those in attendance.”
President Joe Biden has received a briefing on the incident, according to White House pool reports.
“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act,” said Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung. “He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow.”
‘A terrible thing for our democracy’
Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, found out about the shooting from a phone call from his chief of staff. Sherman, who has seen his share of seismic national moments in his more than two decades in Congress, lamented the shooting, not just for Trump, but for the nation.
“Look. I’m a pretty staunch Democrat. I was the first member of Congress to file Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump. And I am praying for Donald Trump’s full recovery.”
Sherman stopped short of saying the moment could be one of unity over policy. But it was one to reflect on a difficult time for democracy, he said.
“This is just a terrible thing for our democracy,” he said, noting that the shooting comes “on top of a country that is already strained.
“It just takes the political rhetoric to a whole new level,” he said.
Sherman condemned the violence and said he expects to see amped-up security for Trump and Biden in the days to come.
“We are all unified in condemning the violence. We are all unified in praying for Donald Trump. But we remain very divided on policy and democracy issues.”
‘No place in our country for political violence’
Some other reactions from Southern California politicians:
Rep. Nanette D. Barragán, D-South Gate: “Images coming out of Pennsylvania are horrifying. Thoughts with those hurt in this terrible incident and encouraged to hear the former president is safe.”
Rep. Tony Cárdenas, D-Panorama City: “There is no room for political violence in our country. Praying for Donald Trump, the victims and their families.
Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana: “Praying for former President Trump and all those present during this terrifying moment. Political violence is never the answer, and I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.”
Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita: “Praying for President Trump and those in the crowd at the rally today. The president is strong. There is no room in America for this type of violence.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach: “The attack on former President Trump was horrific and we should all condemn this shooting in the strongest possible terms. There is no place in our country for political violence. I am grateful for the swift response from Secret Service and law enforcement.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles: “Political violence is never, ever the answer. Thankful that the Secret Service responded quickly and that more people weren’t killed or injured. My prayers go out to the audience member who was killed and anyone else injured in the shooting.”
Rep. Young Kim, R-Anaheim Hills: “I’m monitoring the situation at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and keeping the former president and all attendees in my prayers as we wait for more information.”
Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano: “Political violence has no place in our democracy and should never be the answer to settle our differences. We must overcome the divisions in our country.”
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance: “My prayers are with former President Trump, and anyone at the rally who was hurt by the cowardly and despicable shooter. Political violence is never acceptable. Thank you to law enforcement for immediately responding. At the end of the day, we are all Americans.”
Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Indio: “I unequivocally condemn violence of any kind. We must restore civility to our democratic process.”
Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Seal Beach: “Praying for President Trump and all those at the rally in Pennsylvania.”
U.S. Senate candidate Steve Garvey: “My thoughts and prayers are with President Trump for a speedy recovery and with the families of the innocent rally supporters who were tragically affected. We must also appreciate and thank the bravery of the Secret Service members who courageously protected the former president and everyone present.”
State Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Huntington Beach: “I am at a loss for words. The escalating violence in our society must stop. Please join me in praying for President Trump and the attendees of today’s rally.”
Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City: “Today’s senseless attack was a shocking and horrific act. We must completely shut down those who would use violence to snuff out their political opponents. Janna and I are praying for President Trump and everyone impacted by this violence.”
Assemblymember Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel: “No matter our political differences, violence is never the answer. I’m thankful the former president is safe and urge us all to turn down the rhetoric. We can agree to disagree with civility and thoughtful conversation.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: “What just happened today in Pennsylvania is unacceptable and tragic. Political violence has no place in our nation. I wish former President Trump a full recovery, and my thoughts are with all of those impacted this evening.”
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley: “Horrified by the news of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Our country is founded on the principle of free speech for all, especially our political opponents. As Americans, we must be committed to rooting violence out of our political process.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn: “While I don’t agree with his politics, I absolutely believe that former President Trump and all candidates have the right to safely campaign in public without fear of violence. It is a cornerstone of our democracy. Political violence has no place in the United States.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
