BUTLER, PA — An assassination attempt on 45th U.S. President Donald Trump was plotted by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, at the Republican nominee’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Sullivan County local leaders and public officials have since voiced their thoughts on the incident which left one rallygoer, 50 year old Corey Comperatore, dead and at least two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, injured. 

Sullivan County Republican Committee Chair Greg Goldstein told the Democrat that it is “absolutely sad what is happening in our country” and called for unity. 

“Hopefully there won’t be so much rhetoric now and we can move forward and focus on the issues,” Goldstein said. “I’m glad that Trump is alive and is going to be at the [Republican National] Convention this week [in Milwaukee]. I hope we can move forward and talk about the issues, not attack each other.”

Goldstein also noted that it is tragic that Corey Comperatore lost his life protecting his family at an event that he was so excited to attend. 

Sullivan County Democratic Committee Chair Anne Hart told the Democrat that “violence is not acceptable in this society.” 

“Any kind of violence, whether political, verbal or physical is not acceptable to me, any political leaders or anyone else,” said Hart. “I am extremely sorry for the man who perished and I wish all the best to the former President.”

State and Federal political leaders also lended their opinions on the attempt.

“My thoughts are with President Donald Trump and his family as we continue to learn more about the assassination attempt on his life,” said State Senator Peter Oberacker (NY-51) on Saturday. “While I’m saddened by what transpired, I also stand resolute that we will not and cannot be intimidated by those who choose to use violence to silence our views or values. 

“We pray for President Donald Trump,” Oberacker continued. “We pray for the other victims of these acts of violence and we pray for our Nation. As we move forward, I am confident we will not be intimidated and we will not be deterred.”

U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) also released a statement, saying, “I’m in disbelief and praying for President Trump, law enforcement and those attending the rally. In the United States, our elections are decided by voters, not violence.”

U.S. Senator of New York and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”

U.S. Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand said “My thoughts are with former President Trump and all of those affected by this horrible act, and I’m grateful to law enforcement for their swift response.”

She goes on to say that “political violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in American democracy.”