Arizona officials, politicians speak out after shooting at Trump rally

The shooting Saturday at a rally of former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, provoked an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum in Arizona — as well as some accusations about motives that were issued Saturday before there was any public information about the shooter or his motives.

Trump said his ear was pierced by a bullet and that he felt it ripping through his skin. His campaign issued a statement saying he was “fine.”

The suspected shooter was killed by the Secret Service, a rally attendee is dead and two other rallygoers were critically injured in the shooting at the campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. President Joe Biden said “everybody must condemn” the suspected assassination attempt, which he called “sick.”

As of Sunday afternoon, FBI investigators hadn’t identified the shooter’s motive, The Associated Press reported.

The reaction in Arizona:

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Democrat, a shooting survivor:

“Political violence is terrifying. I know,” Giffords said. “I’m holding former President Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable — never.”

(Giffords was shot and gravely wounded while speaking to constituents in Tucson when a gunman went on a rampage on Jan. 8, 2011, killing six and wounding 13. After her recovery, Giffords founded the national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS.)

Gov. Katie Hobbs, Democrat:

“I am glad that former President Trump is safe and hope that others at the rally were not seriously injured. I hope the perpetrator of this heinous act will be swiftly brought to justice.”

Congressman Juan Ciscomani, Republican:

“Our political leaders should never fear that their beliefs or political stances threaten their lives, and I call on all of those in positions of power and influence to condemn these attacks in the strongest of terms — unequivocally.”

Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Democrat:

“I condemn the attempted assassination of the former president. It’s unacceptable to condone or embrace political violence in any form.”

Attorney General Kris Mayes, Democrat:

“The attack against former President Trump must be strongly condemned by ALL Americans — no matter their political beliefs. Political violence is never acceptable. Never. My thoughts are with the former president and anyone else who may have been injured or hurt at (Saturday’s) rally.”

U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, Independent:

“Violence, especially political violence, is completely unacceptable. We must be a model for civil democracy and commit to the values that define us as Americans.”

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, Democrat:

“Gabby (Giffords, his wife) and I are horrified by the incident in Pennsylvania. No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand. We’re keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts.”

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, Republican:

“Warrior. Pray for the safety and well-being of President Trump and the patriotic Americans at his rally in PA.”

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, Democrat, a candidate for U.S. Senate:

“Today’s tragedy raises serious questions about the security measures — and lack thereof — that were taken to protect a former President of the United States. The bottom line: This was a failure in security. There should never have been a clear line of sight on the former president. My Marine corps training taught me that. Those responsible for the planning, approving, and executing of this clearly insufficient security plan need to testify before Congress and be held accountable. This is the United States of America — we can and must do better.”

Kari Lake, candidate for U.S. Senate, Republican:

“I am shaken and horrified by the assassination attempt on President Trump’s life today. I am praying for President Trump and the innocent attendees who were tragically injured or killed. I am grateful for the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials for their swift action and for preventing this incident from becoming even more tragic.”

Pima County Republican Party:

“Remember when they blamed Sarah Palin for Gabby Giffords getting shot here in Pima County?” (Comment posted on X, formerly Twitter, by the local GOP along with a quote from Biden: “We’re done talking about the debate. It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.”)

(Note for context: Palin’s PAC had put out a graphic of Giffords and others with crosshairs prior to the 2011 shooting in Tucson.)

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Democrat:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump & all those affected by today’s horrific shooting. There is no place for political violence in our democracy & no room for any more gun violence in our country.

Gina Swoboda, chair, Arizona Republican Party, on its behalf:

“We are both horrified by this violence and angered that our country continues to suffer under this total collapse in leadership. The world is on fire, violence if growing and America has no one steering our course. President Trump is a fighter and America needs him now more than ever.”

House Speaker Ben Toma, R-Peoria, and candidate for Congress:

“Praying for President Trump, first responders, and any others who may have also been injured at the rally.”

State Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, chairman of the Arizona Freedom Caucus:

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

I’m sickened by the response from the Left following today’s attempted assassination attempt on President Trump. They tried to kill President Trump today. They murdered a Trump supporter today. Within minutes, assassination deniers on the Left, including the Democrat mouthpieces at CNN, The Washington Post and USA Today, all immediately began disseminating misinformation and disinformation about the attempted assassination. And it took hours following the attempt on President Trump’s life for Joe Biden to even comment. The behavior from Democrats in the aftermath of this heinous act is beyond disgusting.

State Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, candidate for Congress:

“America, Pray for President Trump!! The bullet grazed his ear! The left is unhinged!”

Arizona Senate Democrats:

“The Arizona Senate Democrats condemn the act of violence targeting former President Trump earlier today. No matter an individual’s beliefs, violence is not acceptable. Period. Our thoughts are with the former president and everyone impacted by the incident at the rally.”

Arizona House Democrats:

“We unequivocally condemn this abhorrent act and hope for former President Trump’s swift recovery. There is no place for political violence in our nation. We also thank the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift and fearless response.”

Arizona Senate Republicans:

“Fighter. This is the strongest leader in America. Arizona Senate Republicans are praying for you, President Trump. May justice be served”

State Rep. Consuelo Hernandez, D-Tucson:

“It’s a sad day in American politics. Political differences aside violence is never the answer.”

State Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson:

“I step off the plane (in Milwaukee for the Republican Convention) only to learn that President Trump has been shot! We live in historic times. God bless America! God bless President Trump.”

State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, Republican:

“Praying for President Trump and his recovery. This act of violence has no place at a peaceful campaign rally. May we pray for peace and civility in America.”

Abe Hamadeh, candidate for Congress, Republican:

“President Trump was shot today, but his spirit remains unbroken. This cowardly act won’t break our resolve. We stand firmly with him, united and stronger. We will rescue our country from these evil villains, ONCE AND FOR ALL.”

Blake Masters, candidate for Congress, Republican:

“He’s going to Make America Great Again.”

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale:

“So they really are going to try to kill him. That would be a mistake ... on their part.”

Rep. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge:

“Violence is NEVER the answer! Praying for President Trump and a speedy recovery!”

Charlie Kirk, CEO of Arizona-based Turning Point Action which supports conservative Republican candidates:

“A few weeks ago at the Turning Point Action People’s Convention, I said someone would try to assassinate President Trump. I’m furious and horrified I was right.”

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, Republican:

“Maude and I are praying for Donald Trump, his family and all of America following the cowardly and heinous assassination attempt of the 45th President of the United States. I am extremely grateful to the brave law enforcement officials protecting President Trump and I thank God he is doing well and will never stop fighting for the American people.”

U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, Republican:

“Political violence has no place in America. Joyce and I send our prayers to President Trump, his family, and the family of the rally attendee whose life was tragically taken.”

State Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff:

“Trump shot. Grazed his head. Fist-bumped the air. He stands for US. We stand with him. And we will never say die! God bless OUR PRESIDENT!”

State Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley:

“Remember this day, 13 July, 2024. We are not the violent ones, THEY ARE!!!”

State Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert:

“God bless this man and all of those around him. Pray for the innocent victims and their families who were injured or killed in this assassination attempt.”