Illinois officials condemn political violence after attempted Trump assassination

[July 15, 2024]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Illinois officials condemned political violence and urged for unity.

In Butler County, Pennsylvania, Saturday, just minutes into a political rally speech, Trump quickly halted his speech, grabbed his right ear and ducked behind a podium on stage in a rural field with thousands of supporters watching as at least eight gunshots rang out.

One person was fatally struck, several other injured, including Trump, whose right ear was struck by a bullet. Blood could be seen on the president's face as he was brought back to his feet, surrounded by Secret Service. Trump raised his hand in a fist before being taken off the stage and into his vehicle.

"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," Trump wrote Sunday morning on Truth Social. "We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness."

The gunman, identified by authorities as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was staged on a nearby rooftop outside of the event before he was shot and killed by law enforcement.

The investigation continues.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Hindsboro, asked for prayers for Trump and the country.

“We pray for God's grace over our nation after today's assassination attempt on President Trump,” Miller posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I am heartbroken to hear an attendee was killed. President Trump, covered in blood, fist in the air, showed the strength and resilience that has defined him his entire life.”

Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old man from Buffalo Township, Pa., died after the gunman opened fire Saturday evening.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Chicago, said “violence is never the answer.”

“I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery and I’m saddened by the loss of life of an innocent spectator,” Garcia posted on social media.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, in a statement condemned the violence and prayed for those injured and killed. He said “Congress should conduct a thorough investigation and oversight on the Secret Service.”

A bloodied former President Donald Trump is lifted from the podium floor after an assassination attempt. - Donald Trump campaign | Facebook

“Like many Americans, I am deeply concerned by the rise in violence against government officials and candidates,” LaHood said. “Political violence of any kind is wholly unacceptable and has no place in our country. As we head to November, elected officials, the media, and we as Americans have an obligation to elevate the discourse and lower the temperature.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a vociferous critic of Trump in his bid to beat incumbent Democratic President Joe Biden, said there is no place for political violence in the United States.

“Violence is never the answer in our democracy,” Pritzker wrote on X. “I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for former President Trump's recovery. Thankful to the Secret Service for their quick response.”

Illinois state Rep. Adam Neimerg, R-Dieterich, said in a statement the hatred and vitriol he said has been long aimed at Trump has “gone too far.”

“The hatred for President Trump on social media and in the mainstream media needs to stop immediately because what happened today is the end result of the hateful rhetoric,” Neimerg said. “The violent rhetoric against President Trump has gone too far. The only positive takeaway from today is the resilience of President Trump. He has been impeached, charged with bogus crimes, and convicted on those same bogus charges and now he has been shot but through it all he is still standing.”

Saying there should be no tolerance for political violence, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement urging that “no one should politicize this tragedy by pointing a finger of blame.”

“I commend the men and women of the United States Secret Service for their heroic swift response,” Raoul said in an emailed statement. “This tragedy should be a reminder that we should work continuously to prevent acts of targeted violence.”

Republicans meet for their national convention in Milwaukee this week. Milwaukee also is where in 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt survived an attempted assassination during a political speech.

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