(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s congressional leaders expressed concern for former President Donald Trump after an active shooter opened fire at a rally in western Pennsylvania on Saturday.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-PA., said he was at the event with his family and his team when the shots rang out, with one grazing Trump’s ear and two more striking attendees in the crowd. One died and another was seriously injured, according to the Butler County District Attorney’s Office.
“We are safe andwe are praying for Mr. Trump and everyone involved,” he said. “Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for their quick action.”
U.S. Secret Service “neutralized” the shooter, seen by witnesses at the Butler Farm Show Grounds crawling on a rooftop with a rifle. No other details about the suspect have been made available.
“I am appalled and condemn in the strongest terms this violence in Butler,” said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-PA. “I extend my condolences to those injured and wish a speedy and full recovery for Mr. Trump.”
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey shared that he was “monitoring the situation” and offered help to the state police.
“Political violence is never acceptable and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe,” he said. “Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement.”
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-PA., reiterated her colleagues’ sentiments in a statement issued Saturday evening.
“As we find out more about the shooting in Butler, I extend my sympathies to all the victims and extend my condolences to their loved ones,” she said. “Political violence only leads to more violence—and we all must come together to condemn it.”
The attack occurred just two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where GOP delegates will formally designate Trump as their presidential candidate to take on President Joe Biden in November.
The Trump campaign said Saturday that the former president still plans to attend.
“Praying for President Trump, his family, all in attendance at the rally, and our country,” said U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-PA. “Political violence has no justification or any place in America — against anyone, for any reason, at any time. We will find this person/people andwe will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“President Trump is a fighter and will be ok,” he added. “Let us all pray for our United States of America.”
Cole Lauterbach contributed to this report.
