Trump shooting: Kentucky leaders react following shooting at Pennsylvania rally

Portrait of Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez
Louisville Courier Journal

Kentucky politicians from both sides of the aisle are voicing thoughts and prayers for former President Donald Trump after he was rushed off the stage Saturday during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after gunshots rang out as he spoke to supporters.

Steven Cheung, Trump's spokesperson, said in a statement that the former president is "fine" but was seeking medical attention. After the shots, Trump reached for his ear and appeared to have blood on his ear and cheek as he left the stage, USA TODAY reported. The shooter and one other person were killed. Another person is in critical condition.

"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act," Cheung said Saturday.

Trump was removed from the site by Secret Service after the shots were heard. They also removed reporters and called it "an active crime scene."

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Here are what Kentucky politicians are saying in response to the incident:

Rep. James Comer

"I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing. The Oversight Committee will send a formal invitation soon.

My prayers are with President Trump and the victims of the assassination attempt at today’s rally in Pennsylvania. I thank the brave Secret Service members who put their lives at risk to protect President Trump and for the American patriots in the audience who helped others who were hurt. Political violence in all forms is unamerican and unacceptable. There are many questions and Americans demand answers."

Gov. Andy Beshear

"Britainy and I are praying for the safety and health of the former president. Violence is never the answer. Never."

Sen. Rand Paul

"Please keep Trump and everyone at the rally in your thoughts and prayers right now."

Sen. Mitch McConnell

"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. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement."

Rep. Brett Guthrie

"I am praying for President Trump and our nation following the terrible events this afternoon."

Rep. Morgan McGarvey

"My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump and all those affected. What happened at the Trump rally today is horrible and unacceptable. I’m grateful to law enforcement for their immediate response. America is a Democracy. Political violence is never acceptable."

Jonathan Shell, Commissioner of Agriculture

"Terrible moment for our nation. Praying for President Trump and our country."

Daniel Cameron

"Pray for President Trump. Pray for Americans attending his rally. Pray for our country."

Attorney General Russell Coleman

"Praying for President Trump, his family and the top-tier professionals of the U.S. Secret Service. No matter your beliefs, political violence has no place in our country."

Rep. Andy Barr

"Please join me in praying for President Trump."

Rep. Thomas Massie

"Praying for Trump and others who might have been shot."

Michael Adams, Secretary of State

"May God protect the former President and all at this rally. Political violence, from the right or left, is never the answer."

Allison Ball, State Auditor

"I'm praying for the health and safety of President Trump."

Mayor Craig Greenberg

"Violence has no place in politics. Period. Rachel and I know this pain all too well and will be praying for everyone impacted."

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman

"Violence is never the answer. Please join Chris and me in keeping the former President, the Secret Service members who sacrificed their own bodies, and the innocent bystanders who may have been injured in our thoughts and prayers."

Amanda Mays Bledsoe, State Senator for Kentucky's 12th District

"I was watching the rally live curious to see if @realDonaldTrump would announce his VP choice. There are no adequate words. My prayers are with the former President & the individuals at the rally. Gratitude for the Secret Service & law enforcement for their swift action. Political violence is absolutely unacceptable."

Kelly Craft, former ambassador to the United Nations

"Prayers for protection of @realDonaldTrump. Thankful for the quick action of US Secret Service."

Roz Welch, Louisville Democratic Party vice chair

"I pray that this was not what it appears to be, which is assassination like I pray that that's not what this was, but if it is, I challenge all Americans to think about what our democracy means, and we are not the country that attempts to assassinate political opponents. That's not who we are as Americans. So I hope that's not the case. I think that's what they're looking at this as a possible piece to I think that's the news report that I just received. But we win at the ballot box. We don't win by violence, and we don't win by force. We win there, and that's what makes America great."

John Yarmuth, former congressman

"It's a very bizarre situation … It's a horrible situation if he was legitimately attacked, there's no question about that."

Don Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party

"We were shocked and saddened by the attack today on the life of former president, Donald Trump. Such violence is never warranted in our great country, and we sincerely hope that all Americans join together to strongly condemn it. Members of the Jefferson County Republican Party will keep former President Trump and his family in our prayers this evening, and ask that all Americans join us in praying for a swift recovery. We also pray for the innocent bystanders that were hurt in this senseless attack."

Anna Whites, Frankfort lawyer for Democratic candidates

"I do not condone violence. I am a gun control fanatic. We've had family impacted by gun violence, and I think we need to look to countries like Canada, where there is much less gun violence. I think this illustrates what happens when people get too comfortable with ugly thoughts and with guns in their hands." -- Anna Whites

USA TODAY reporters David Jackson and Joey Garrison contributed to this article.