Former President Donald Trump was shot last Saturday (July 13) during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet pierced his right ear, leaving many political leaders in California shocked.
Governor Gavin Newsom was one of the first Democratic leaders to condemn the attack on the former president. He posted on X platform, stating, “Violence has no place in our democratic system. My heart is with President Trump and everyone affected at the rally.”
On the 14th, Trump himself issued a statement on his social media platform “Truth Social,” thanking Americans for their prayers and saying, “Only God prevented the unimaginable from happening.”
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was identified by the FBI as the suspect in the attempted assassination. Crooks was shot by Secret Service agents.
Three other attendees were also shot, with one fatality. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced at a press conference on July 14 that the sole fatality, Corey Comperatore, was a former firefighter, father of two daughters, and a supporter of Trump.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, also condemned the attack and expressed relief and gratitude for the former president’s safety.
She said, “As a victim of political violence, I am well aware that any form of political violence should not exist in our society. I thank God for keeping former President Trump safe.”
Former California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and current Vice President Kamala Harris stated that she had been briefed on the incident and was relieved that the former president wasn’t seriously injured, expressing gratitude for Trump’s safety along with her husband.
Harris posted on social media last Saturday (13th), saying, “We pray for him (Trump), his family, and all those injured and affected by this senseless act of violence.”
California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla also reacted to the shooting incident, stating, “Our democracy does not tolerate political violence.”
“I have been monitoring the former president and those attending the rally,” he wrote on X, “and I thank law enforcement for swiftly taking action to protect those present.”
California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff issued a statement condemning the attack.
“This blatant assassination attempt is shocking,” he wrote on X, emphasizing that political violence is absolutely not permitted under the U.S. democratic system. He thanked law enforcement and the Secret Service for their swift response and wished President Trump a speedy recovery.
Republican, former Dodgers star, and Senate candidate running against Schiff, Steve Garvey, sent well wishes to the former president. He wrote on X, “My thoughts and prayers are with President Trump – wishing him a speedy recovery and standing with the families of the innocent victims.”
Other Republicans also expressed anger at the shooting incident. Republican former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he was praying for President Trump.
Minority Leader of the State Senate Brian Jones posted on X, “In America, violence has no place in politics. Political differences, even debates, are an essential part of our democratic system. Without disagreements, there is no democracy, and without democracy, there is no free country.”
“I pray for the Trump family, the families of the victims of the shooting, and those affected by today’s disturbing act of violence,” he said, adding, “I urge all Americans to calm down, recognize the importance of seeking common ground, and not view politics as a divisive game.”
California Republican Party Chair Jessica Millan Patterson posted on X, “Please join me in praying for President Trump and our nation.”
The Los Angeles County Republican Party posted on X social platform, wishing for “God to bless President Trump”; while the Orange County Republicans stated that the assassination attempt “should shake the soul of our nation.”
Local political leaders in Los Angeles also expressed concern and condolences to the former president.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X, “What happened today in Pennsylvania is unacceptable and heartbreaking. Political violence has no place in our country. I wish former President Trump a full recovery and send my thoughts to all those affected tonight.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn wrote on X, “Although I disagree with his political ideas, I firmly believe that President Trump and all candidates should have the right to campaign safely in public without the threat of violent intimidation. This is the cornerstone of our democratic system. Political violence is absolutely not tolerated in the United States.”
Although there were no known threats locally, law enforcement agencies in Southern California remained on high alert on Sunday.
Interim Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department Dominic Choi stated in a release on X, “The LAPD is closely monitoring the developments related to the shooting incident involving former President Trump in Pennsylvania. Currently, there are no known threats in Los Angeles.”
He also said, “We are relieved that former President Trump is safe and saddened to learn about the loss of innocent lives and injuries among the event attendees.”