Michigan politicians react to shooting at Trump rally in Pennsylvania

Leaders in the state of Michigan are expressing concern and condemning political violence following the shooting at a rally of former President Donald Trump and in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 13.

“There is no place for political violence in this country, period. This is not how we resolve our differences,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter. “I am appalled by this news and we will be monitoring the situation closely. I am grateful to law enforcement who immediately took action.”

President Joe Biden issued a statement after gunfire broke out at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.

“I have been informed of the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania,” the statement said. “I am grateful to hear that he is OK and safe. I am praying for him and his family and for everyone who was at the rally as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There is no place for this type of violence in America. We must unite as a nation to condemn it.”

Trump could be seen being led from the stage to a vehicle by his security staff. Trump appeared to be injured, as AP photos showed blood pouring from the right side of his face near his ear. The former president said in a statement that he was “fine and being evaluated at a local medical facility.”

According to the Associated Press, the former president and presumptive Republican nominee was showing a spreadsheet of border crossing figures at his final rally before the opening of the Republican National Convention on Monday when a bang was heard in the crowd. Trump could be seen reaching for his neck with his right hand. His face appeared to be covered in blood.

District Attorney Richard Goldinger said two people were dead. He said they were the shooter and a bystander. Earlier in the evening, he said one of the dead was “someone in the crowd.”

Republican Congressman John Moolenaar of Caledonia commented: “I am praying for President Trump and all those attending his rally today.”

Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint) said in a statement that he was closely monitoring the situation and was grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their immediate response to the incident.

“Violence is never the answer,” Kildee said. “I’m glad the former president is safe. I hope the other participants in today’s rally are as well.”

State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet of Bay City said, “As Americans, we must come together and agree that violence is never the answer. Never.”

“Joseph and I are praying for the health and safety of President Trump and all those who attended the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Every perpetrator involved must be brought to justice,” said McDonald Rivet, who is running to succeed Kildee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mary Draves of Midland, who is running in the Republican primary for Kildee’s congressional seat, said in a social media post: “Our fearless Commander in Chief is showing his resilience in a time of turmoil. Now more than ever, we must stand behind our President and hand him not only the state of Michigan, but the entire nation. #TrumpShot.”

Other Michigan leaders also shared their thoughts on the shooting: