COLUMBUS, Ohio — Numerous Ohio political officials have released statements after former President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after a shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.
Trump's campaign said in a statement that the former president was “fine” after a shooting, but the Butler County district attorney confirmed that the gunman and at least one attendee are dead.
Law enforcement officials say the shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president.
Ohio officials took to social media shortly after the shooting and offered their prayers and support for Trump and the attendees at the rally.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Sherrod Brown, Sen. J.D. Vance, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Attorney General Dave Yost were just a few of the officials who released statements reacting to the shooting.
Gov. Mike DeWine:
"Fran and I are praying for President Trump, his family, and our country."
Sen. Sherrod Brown:
“Connie and I are relieved that President Trump is safe, and are praying for the health and safety of all those attending the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania tonight, and for our country. We’re grateful to the law enforcement who responded immediately. Political violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in our democracy.”
Sen. J.D. Vance
"Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok."
"Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump's attempted assassination."
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted:
"Our prayers are with President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania this afternoon. Thanks to those in law enforcement who responded so quickly."
Attorney General Dave Yost:
"Prayers for DJT, his family, for our country."
Secretary of State Frank LaRose
"Praying for President Trump, his family and everyone at the rally. We pray that everyone is ok as more details come in."
Ohio Senate Pres. Matt Huffman
"Our prayers are with President Trump, his family and the nation tonight. An attempt on the President's life is an attack on our country and our freedom."
House Speaker Jason Stephens
"Prayers for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania."
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
“Violence of any kind is unacceptable. We cannot allow it in our political discourse or our democracy, said Congresswoman Beatty.” “I was pleased that law enforcement responded quickly. My thoughts are with all impacted by this incident and I wish former President Trump a quick recovery.”
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters
"Tonight I'm thinking of President Trump, victims, and their families as they grapple with the tragic events at today's rally in Pennsylvania. Political violence has absolutely no place in our democracy and we all must condemn it to the highest degree."
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther
"Political violence undermines democratic principles and civil discourse. A peaceful and democratic society depends on the rejection and prevention of political violence in all its forms. We must all work to foster a safe place for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas."
More statements will be added as they are released.
