Politicians in Michigan condemn violence after shooting at Trump rally

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (WOOD) – Michigan state leaders from both parties condemned violence Saturday after shots were fired at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, killing at least one rally attendee.

The shooter was shot by US Secret Service agents, reports Associated Press. After the shots were fired, Trump first fell to the ground and was then taken away by the Secret Service. His face appeared to be covered in blood. His campaign team announced shortly afterwards that he was “fine.” According to AP, the shooting is being investigated as an attempted murder.

President Joe Biden, Trump’s opponent in November, said he was grateful that Trump appeared to be doing well and was working to talk to him.

“There is no place for this kind of violence in America,” Biden told reporters in a brief press conference Saturday evening. “This is sick. This is sick.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also said there was “no place for political violence in this country, period.”

“We cannot resolve our differences this way,” she wrote in a Social media post“I am appalled to hear this news and we will be monitoring the situation closely. I am grateful to law enforcement who intervened immediately.”

Whitmer, a Democrat, was previously the Target of a kidnapping plot which never came to fruition and was uncovered by law enforcement in 2020.

West Michigan lawmaker blames rhetoric

Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland said he was “frankly sad and angry that people think this is the right way to move forward.”

“This is the United States: We settle these disputes at the ballot box, not through violence,” he told News 8 in a Zoom interview Saturday night.

He blamed “intensified,” “harder and tougher and edgier” rhetoric – possibly to attract listeners or donations – for amplifying some people’s emotions and contributing to a divisive political climate:

“I think the rhetoric that was used drove this – this whole idea that democracy somehow depends on whether or not this person gets elected is just outrageous,” Huizenga said.

He agreed when News 8 political reporter Rick Albin pointed out that both sides had used outrageous rhetoric.

“However, there is this misconception that violence only comes ‘from the right,'” Huizenga said, before pausing to list more political violence. “I think we need to be measured as a nation, we need to be measured for those of us who are in politics and in the news media and many other places.”

“(The rhetoric) will make a laughing stock of what should be a peaceful transfer of power, which the whole world should envy, if it continues like this,” he added.

He said he didn’t know if the shooting would lead to a change in the way people talk about politics.

“I suspect this will definitely change the campaign. Everything from the venues to the processes, who gets invited, who gets to be there, of course the screenings and all the things that happen,” Huizenga said.

Huizenga said he expected an intensive investigation into the incidents to understand the shooter’s motives “so that something like this never happens again to anyone on either side of the aisle.”

He also said he had been told they were working to “double” security measures for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which begins Monday.

Politicians pray and praise officials

US Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democrat from Lansing, said in a Online bank statement “Political violence is never acceptable.” She praised the first responders at the rally.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said The violence is unacceptable and she hopes that those responsible for this “cruel act” will be brought to justice.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State and also a Democrat, said: “Political violence is unacceptable, no matter when, where and against whom.”

“I pray for the former president’s speedy recovery and am grateful to all the police officers who intervened to protect all those attending the rally from further violence,” she said. published on social media“May this disturbing incident mark a turning point – away from hateful rhetoric and threats and towards civility for all.”

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra, a former U.S. ambassador, People called to pray for Trump.

US Representative Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) called the situation “appalling” and said in a Social media post that she was praying for Trump. She also praised law enforcement for their quick response.

Former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, a Republican who is currently running for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, called it a “dark moment for our nation.”

“We pray today for President Trump and all Americans,” he wrote on social media.

“I am praying for President Trump, his family and all Americans,” said former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Grand Rapids, also a Senate candidate. Posted.

Michigan State Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia, said in a statement She said she was “disgusted and outraged by the heinous and cowardly assassination attempt” on Trump.

“This despicable act is not only an attack on President Trump, but also on the foundations of our republic and the values ​​we hold dear as Americans,” their statement continued.

“I stand firmly with President Trump and his family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them and I call on all Americans to join together in condemning this act of violence and supporting Donald J. Trump,” Rigas added.

—News 8 political reporter Rick Albin contributed to this report.