Local, state leaders react after shooting at Trump rally in Pennsylvania
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Reactions from local and Texas politicians poured in after a shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday.
The Secret Service said in a statement, 'The former president is safe and being evaluated." One rally spectator was killed, and two others were critically injured.
The former president was showing a chart of border crossing numbers during his rally "when bangs started ringing through the crowd," according to the AP.
Gov. Greg Abbott
Gov. Greg Abbott posted on social media shortly after the news broke.
"They try to jail him. They try to kill him. It will not work. He is indomitable."
Gov. Greg Abbott
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick followed suit and posted his reaction on social media.
"Incidents erupts at President Trump’s Rally. Trump rushed off stage by secret service. Please everyone pray for President Trump and pray for the country."
Attorney General Ken Paxton
Attorney General Ken Paxton also posted on social media.
"The world is evil. Praise God that President Trump was able to walk away on his own. Praying for complete healing and that this person is captured immediately."
Sen. Ted Cruz
Sen. Ted Cruz posted his reaction to the news on social media.
"This is horrific & wrong & evil. Thank God he appears not to be seriously injured. Heidi & I are lifting President Trump up in prayer right now. #PrayingforTrump"
Sen. John Cornyn
Sen. John Cornyn posted his reaction on social media.
"Sending prayers for President Trump for a swift recovery. Thank you to the U.S. Secret Service for acting quickly to ensure his safety. Whoever is responsible must face swift justice. May we all pray for our country tonight."
Commissioner Sid Miller
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said he was at the event with Trump on Saturday.
"I am in Butler Penn. with President @realDonaldTrump. I am shocked, but thankful that he had survived today's assassination attempt. We pray for the President and any other potential victims of the evil that has unfolded before or eyes."
Rep. Lloyd Doggett
Rep. Lloyd Doggett also posted his reaction to the news on social media.
"Violence begets violence, whether directed at Trump or inspired by him. I strongly condemn all acts of violence and hope that with quick law-enforcement action, all are safe at the Trump rally and he has suffered no lasting damage. In America, we must make our voices heard by ballots, not bullets."
Rep. Michael McCaul
Rep. Michael McCaul posted his reaction to social media.
"Please join me in praying for President Trump, his @SecretService members, and everyone at today’s rally.
Rep. Chip Roy
Congressman Chip Roy also posted his reaction on social media.
"Am told @JoeBiden will address nation tonight. For the good of the nation, please pray he will find the right words of respect for President Trump, who was targeted for assassination.
Rep. Joaquin Castro
Rep. Joaquin Castro released the following statement on social media:
Political violence is unacceptable in any form. As we wait for more information, I commend the Secret Service agents who acted quickly to protect the former president and prevent further harm to the crowd."
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell posted the following on his social media, along with a photo of Trump being whisked off the stage.
"I STAND with President Trump!"
Austin City Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly
Austin City Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly posted the following on social media:
"Even though our country faces political differences, such actions are absolutely unacceptable. I am fervently praying for the former President's health and demand that the perpetrator(s) face swift and severe justice."
Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes
Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes posted her reaction to the news on social media.
"Political violence is never the answer. I wish the former President a swift recovery and pray we get to the bottom of this asap."