Officials condemn assassination attempt
State Sens. Camera Bartolotta and Jim Brewster were among those to express their reactions to the event on social media.
Government officials and Mon Valley residents strongly condemned an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa.
The former president was escorted off stage by Secret Service agents after being struck in the ear by a gunshot. One attendee at the rally was killed and two others were wounded.
On Sunday, the FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park. Crooks was fatally shot by the Secret Service from his position on the roof of a building near the platform where Trump was speaking.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, was among those who took to social media to express her reaction to the attack on the former president.
“Acts of violence against any candidate or elected official is despicable and unacceptable for any civilized nation. I am praying for former President Trump and anyone else who have been caught in crossfire at the Butler rally today,” Bartolotta wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, also spoke out against the attack on Trump.
“I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler,” he posted on Facebook. “I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump.”
Several Mon Valley residents expressed their support for the president after Saturday’s incident.
On the Rainbow Run Road overpass over Route 51, several cars were seen flying Trump-related banners.
Not too far from the overpass, dozens of area residents lined up in front of a pop-up Trump merchandise tent in Elizabeth despite the sunny 90-degree weather.
Among them were Dona Brazzon of Perryopolis, who said she is thankful for Trump’s safety after the incident.
“I believe after yesterday, anyone that doesn’t believe in God, know that God had a hand on him. They’re not seeing what the Christian people see,” Brazzon said.
Brazzon said she was on her way to church when she noticed the merch stand, and after Saturday’s close call she had to come back and check it out.
Holden LaCarte, who is originally from Belle Vernon but lives in Pittsburgh, said he also felt compelled to stop and purchase Trump merchandise.
“Drove by and there was a ton of nationalism and people supporting this country, I saw the line and had to get a shirt after what happened, it’s terrible,” LaCarte said.
State Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, called Saturday a tragedy for everyone regardless of party affiliation.
“This is a very sad day for our country, there is no question about that,” Brewster said, “and I think the first and foremost thing we have to think about is about the gentleman that’s passed away and two folks that are hurt and obviously Mr. Trump who’s been injured.”
Brewster advised people to make sure they have accurate information before forming an opinion about what happened.
“I would ask folks not to jump to conclusions, let’s get the facts, let’s not speculate,” he said. “Particularly those of us who are in government, we’re here because we serve in a leadership role and we have to lead by example.”
He added that the next couple of weeks are going to be important for healing.
State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward issued a statement Saturday thanking the Secret Service and condemning the attack.
“The resilience of America must overcome any gutless acts of violence,” Ward wrote. “Praying for President Trump, his family, and any innocent victims and their families who may have been harmed by this senseless act. Thank you to the Secret Service, law enforcement, and emergency responders who assisted in keeping things safe and calm. God Bless America.”
State Attorney General Michelle Henry expressed shock over the attack and wished former President Trump a quick recovery.
“I am deeply disturbed by this act of violence that has absolutely no place in the Commonwealth or anywhere,” Henry said in a statement.