PHOENIX — Former President Donald Trump was whisked off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday after being injured in an apparent shooting.
The former president was just a few minutes into his speech at the rally when loud bangs were heard and Trump appeared to reach up for his right ear before being pulled to the ground, surrounded by Secret Service agents and whisked off the stage.
As he was being led away from the podium, the former president raised his fist to the crowd and appeared to yell, "Fight, fight," at his supporters.
US Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the former president is "safe."
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania," the post read. "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
Trump Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung posted a statement on X, which reads, "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
The alleged shooter is dead and one rally attendee was killed, the Butler County, Pennsylvania, district attorney told the Associated Press.
This shooting came just days before the Republican National Convention is set to open in Milwaukee.
Arizona Politicians React to assassination attempt
Some of Arizona's top Republican leaders spoke with 12News, sharing their thoughts.
Pinal County Sheriff and US Senate Candidate Mark Lamb, called for unity.
"This is terrible to see something like this," he said. "I think this is an opportunity for us to say enough with all the division. We've got to really come together and heal as a country. We cannot continue down this path because it's a dangerous path we're on. We can't continue down with it and I hope that Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike will see this as an opportunity to come together and heal. My message to Arizonans is please, this is our opportunity to take this country back and fix our country. It is clearly not in a good place and if it's not in a good place lets do something different because right now we are divided and I think we cannot continue this route."
Lamb's opponent and US Senate Candidate, Kari Lake, says we're living in dangerous times, but feels the unity behind Trump is stronger than ever. She also is expected to speak at the Republican National Convention Monday.
"I saw those people behind (Donald Trump) they were in shock, and I'm willing to bet every single one of them would've jumped in front of that bullet to protect President Trump," she said. "I'm sure the security will be heightened now. I always look out for my safety and we have security measures we don't even talk about, but we're living in dangerous times there's no doubt about that unprecedented times. We're living in a pivotal moment."
Gina Swoboda, the Chair of the Arizona Republican Party echoes what others had to say with the hopes the nation's divisions will heal.
"Our delegation from Arizona is proud to be with him, proud to be here representing our party and state," she said. "It's unsettling, it's concerning but we're not afraid to represent Arizona and our president. I'm proud of President Trump that he got up and said 'Fight!' and he's a fighter and so we're going to fight for him. But you can't lose sight of who we are and love each other and at the end of the day we're all in this together. It's devastating to the country and we need to pull together and remember who we are and we're all Americans."
Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego sent a letter to the U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Sunday calling for "accountability and demanding answers" regarding the "security failure" at the rally on Saturday.
“We are a nation of laws and of free and fair elections. It is why we are the greatest country in the world,” Gallego said in a news release. “This was a security failure at the highest level, not seen since the attempted assassination of President Reagan. This cannot happen, and I demand accountability.”
Social Media Reaction in Arizona to apparent shooting at Trump rally in Pennsylvania
Since the shooting, reaction has been pouring in from lawmakers and political candidates in Arizona on social media.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs posted on X, saying, "Political violence is unacceptable, and has no place in this country. I am glad that former President Trump is safe, and hope that others at the rally were not seriously injured. I hope the perpetrator of this heinous act will be swiftly brought to justice."
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes posted on X, saying, "I condemn political violence in the most unequivocal terms. NO American political figure should ever be threatened with OR acted against with violence. If we want to beat a political opponent, we do it with ballots, not bullets."
Lake initially posted twice on X, saying, "Please pray for President Trump," and "They will never stop us."
Lake later posted a longer statement, which reads, "I am shaken and horrified by the assassination attempt on President Trump's life today. I am praying for President Trump and the innocent attendees who were tragically injured or killed. I am grateful for the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials for their swift action and for preventing this incident from becoming even more tragic."
Lamb released a statement, which reads:
Our prayers are with President Trump and his entire family. We are heartened to hear that initial reports indicated President Trump is not seriously injured and we pray that is indeed the case. I applaud the quick reaction and work of law enforcement and members of the Secret Service to move the President to safety. We await further details while law enforcement investigates this unconscionable incident.
Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was injured in a shooting in Tucson in 2011 while meeting with her constituents, posted, "Political violence is terrifying. I know. I’m holding former President Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable—never."
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Giffords' husband, also released a statement, which reads, "Gabby and I are horrified by the incident in Pennsylvania. No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand. We're keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts."
Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey posted a short statement, saying, "Please pray for President Trump and everyone else at today's rally."
The Republican Party of Arizona posted, "WE STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP," and "Please join us in praying for President Trump and all in attendance at the Pennsylvania rally."
Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda released a statement, which reads:
We thank God that President Trump is safe. We pray not only for him and his family, but for the family of the rally attendee who was killed by the shooter and the victims currently receiving medical treatment. We also pray for all the Secret Service and law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect the President and all the attendees. They are heroes, and showed it today.
We are both horrified by this violence and angered that our country continues to suffer under this total collapse in leadership. The world is on fire, violence is growing and America has no one steering our course. President Trump is a fighter and America needs him now more than ever.
We urge all Americans – no matter their party – to join us in condemning this atrocity and in praying for the continued safety and well-being of President Trump and all our leaders. President Trump will never surrender and neither will the American people. We stand with President Trump. God Bless America.
The Arizona Senate Republicans account on X posted, "Fighter. This is the strongest leader in America. Arizona Senate Republicans are praying for you, President Trump. May justice be served."
Democratic congressional candidate Kirsten Engel posted, "I am shocked and disturbed to hear the news about former President Trump. Political violence is never acceptable and I condemn what happened today unequivocally. I wish him a speedy and full recovery."
The Arizona House Democrats account on X posted, "We unequivocally condemn this abhorrent act and hope for former President Trump’s swift recovery. There is no place for political violence in our nation. We also thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift and fearless response."
Democratic congressional candidate Andrei Cherny released a statement, which reads, "In America, we make decisions for our democracy through ballots and not bullets. I am glad former President Trump was not seriously harmed. I am thankful for law enforcement’s quick response. Political violence is always unacceptable and must be condemned."
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego posted a statement, which reads, "Political violence of any kind is unacceptable and must be condemned outright. I'm thinking of everyone affected by this senseless act and wishing former President Trump and those injured a speedy recovery."
The Arizona Senate Democrats account on X posted, "The Arizona Senate Democrats condemn the act of violence targeting former President Trump earlier today. No matter an individual's beliefs, violence is not acceptable. Period. Our thoughts are with the former President and everyone impacted by the incident at the rally."
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes posted a statement, which reads, "The attack against former President Trump must be strongly condemned by ALL Americans — no matter their political beliefs. Political violence is never acceptable. Never. My thoughts are with the former President and anyone else who may have been injured or hurt at today’s rally."
Republican state Senator T.J. Shope posted on X, "Violence is NEVER the answer! Praying for President Trump and a speedy recovery!"
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Arizona Senator John McCain, who passed away in 2018, posted on X, "Pray for our broken country," and "Please join me and my family in immediately praying for our great nation and the entire Trump family."
Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs (R-District 5) posted on X, "Violence is unacceptable. Law and order must prevail. Mr. President, we stand with you."
Arizona Rep. Eli Crane (R-District 2) posted on X, "Warrior. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of President Trump and the patriotic Americans at his rally in (Pennsylvania)."
Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-District 6) posted on X that he and his wife, Laura, are praying for former President Trump and those at the rally on Saturday.
Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton (D-District 4) posted on X, "I’m praying for the health and safety of President Trump and all those in attendance in Butler. I hope the perpetrator of this cowardly act is swiftly apprehended by law enforcement. Violence of any kind is never acceptable."
Arizona Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-District 8) posted on X, "I am sending my prayers to former President Trump and all attending his rally in Pennsylvania. Please join me in lifting our nation in prayer."
Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-District 7), posted on X, "I condemn the attempted assassination of the former president. It's unacceptable to condone or embrace political violence in any form."
Arizona Rep. David Schweikert (R-District 1) posted on X, "Political violence has no place in America. Joyce and I send our prayers to President Trump, his family, and the family of the rally attendee whose life was tragically taken."
Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar (R-District 9), released a statement, which reads:
Maude and I are praying for Donald Trump, his family and all of America following the cowardly and heinous assassination attempt of the 45th President of the United States.
I am extremely grateful to the brave law enforcement officials protecting President Trump and I thank God he is doing well and will never stop fighting for the American people.
State Rep. Matt Gress (R-Scottsdale) posted on X, "Praying for President Trump and everyone else at the rally."
State Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-District 7), posted on X, "Trump shot. Grazed his head. Fist-bumped the air. He stands for US. We stand with him. And we will never say die! God bless OUR PRESIDENT!"
Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio posted on X, "My deepest condolences regarding the Trump-supporter killed in today's assassination attempt against the only hero in my lifetime, President Donald Trump. I would take a bullet for President Trump, and I sincerely honor those who have!"
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell posted on X, "This is horrifying. Violence is never the answer. Praying for a full and speedy recovery for President Trump."
Democratic Congressional candidate Conor O'Callaghan posted a statement on X, which reads, "Shocking footage coming out of (Pennsylvania). Political violence is NEVER acceptable. We need to turn down the temperature in this great nation. My campaign denounces this behavior in the strongest possible terms."
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin (R-District 2) released a statement, which reads:
I am disgusted and appalled by the attempt on President Trump's life. In the United States, we resolve our differences at the ballot box and move on. We have had too many presidents and candidates struck by assassins or would-be killers. My fervent prayers are for President Trump, his family, and the families of the victims.
I want to assure Maricopa County residents I will do everything I can to keep them safe while they exercise their constitutional right to vote. And I will make sure our law enforcement and public safety officials have all the resources they need.
Once again, I pray for President Trump's full and complete recovery.
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