Local elected officials shocked by shooting at Donald Trump rally

Politicians from throughout the Hudson Valley expressed sadness and disbelief after former President Donald Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination attempt as he spoke during a rally outside of Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Trump, his ear and face covered in blood, was quickly pulled away by Secret Service agents and he was not seriously injured.

“I’m in disbelief and praying for President Trump, law enforcement, and those attending the rally,” Congressman Mark Molinaro (R, NY-19) said. “In the United States, our elections are decided by voters, not violence.”

Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) said that he is “Praying for President Trump and his family in a moment of terrible tragedy for America.”

Congressman Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) thanked the Secret Service for their quick action.

“I am praying that President Trump and anyone else injured makes a speedy recovery,” Ryan added.

This was the first attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. The shooter at the Trump rally was killed by the Secret Service. The Secret Service said in a statement that “the former President is safe.” Another attendee at the rally also died in the shooting.

The assassination attempt occurred four months before the presidential elections and days before Trump was to be officially named the Republican nominee at his party’s convention in Milwaukee.

“There is no place for political violence in our democracy,” said Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh). “Thankfully, reports indicate that former President Trump is safe and the injuries are not life-threatening. I join all Americans in praying for his full recovery.”

Trump reached for his ear when the popping noises occurred during his speech. Attendees at the rally began screaming as agents pushed Trump to the ground. He emerged from the ground behind a podium with blood on his ear and cheek as he left the stage.

The Secret Service removed Trump from the site and ushered him into an SUV as he pumped his fist in the air.

“I am horrified by the attempted assassination of former President Trump,” Senator James Skoufis (D, Orange County) said. “Our nation is all too familiar with politically motivated acts of violence throughout history, and it pains me that we have not moved beyond these dark compulsions. I condemn this act in the strongest possible terms.”

State Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) also condemned the violence, stating, “Even when our political divides are deep and decisive, there is never a place for violence in our politics. Please join me in praying for President Trump, the family of the innocent spectator killed, and our nation.”

State Senator Peter Harckham (D, Westchester) said, “I abhor the political violence and condemn the attempt to assassinate former president Trump today in Pennsylvania.  There is no place for this kind of unthinkable action in our country.”

State Senator Bill Weber (R, Nanuet” said, “No matter where you stand or what side of the aisle you agree with, political violence has no place in our democracy.  We are better than this.”

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R, Deerpark) called the incident “scary, sad and disgraceful.”

“My sympathies and prayers go out to the family of the attendee who was killed at the rally and anyone who was injured by this coward’s actions,” Brabenec added. “I hope that the injured and President Trump are ok and recover quickly from their injuries.”

The Westchester Board of Legislators released a statement late Saturday evening that read, “Our hearts go out to the victims of today’s incident in Pennsylvania.  We are thankful for the immediate response by law enforcement and grateful that former President Trump is safe. The Westchester County Board of Legislators stands united against political violence in any form.  We remain steadfast in our commitment to preventing violence and protecting our communities.”

One rally attendee was killed and two others were critically injured.  The Secret Service killed the suspected shooter, who has not yet been identified.