Political leaders from both parties condemned the violence that erupted at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday, where the Republican candidate was rushed off stage by the Secret Service, blood streaming down his face.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country… We cannot be like this, we cannot condone this,” President Joe Biden told reporters during an emergency briefing at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
“The idea that there’s political violence, or violence in America like this, is just unheard of. It’s just not appropriate. Everybody, everybody must condemn it. Everybody,” Biden added. He also expressed his intent to speak with Trump “shortly.”
Vice President Kamala Harris shared her sentiments on X, saying, “We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting.”
Former President Barack Obama echoed Biden’s call for unity, stating, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.”
Former President George W. Bush condemned the “cowardly” attack, stating, “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his horror on X, writing, “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also took to X, stating, “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has personal experience with political violence after her husband was attacked in a home invasion in 2022, wrote, “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. I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.”
Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced his full support for Trump following the rally violence, writing on X, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” alongside a video of Trump pumping his fist while being escorted away by Secret Service officials.
