‘Never acceptable.’ Georgia politicians condemn shooting at former President Trump’s rally
Several Georgia politicians, including representatives of Macon, have spoken out against the shooting that left former President Donald Trump injured, and also left one attendee dead and another hurt.
Trump was rushed out of the rally after he was grazed by a bullet, according to local law enforcement. The incident occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania. Officials said the shooter has also been shot and killed.
Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both Democrats, shared statements Saturday.
“In America, we settle our political differences democratically—not violently,” Warnock said in a post to X. “I am deeply saddened by today’s events in Pennsylvania. I condemn any violence aimed at former President Trump in the strongest terms, and pray for him, his family & our nation. We are better than this.”
Ossoff said he joined all Georgians in discouraging the shooting.
“I join all Georgians and Americans in condemning this despicable act of violence and pray former President Trump makes a full recovery,” Ossoff said in a statement. “I thank the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response. Political violence is never acceptable and can never be tolerated.”
Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop, who serves part of Bibb County as the congressman for Georgia’s 2nd District, said the shooting couldn’t be tolerated.
“Shooting or other violent assault on anyone, including former President Trump, is abhorrent and unacceptable! Violence has no place in our body politic and cannot be tolerated,” Bishop said. “Nor can the rhetoric that provokes it. My thoughts and prayers go out to the former President, the innocent persons who were casualties, and their families.”
Republican Rep. Austin Scott, who represents part of Bibb County as the representative for Georgia’s 8th District, released a statement on X Saturday.
“I am grateful that President Trump is safe, and I am praying for all rally attendees- especially those who may have been hurt,” he said. “Thank you to the Secret Service and law enforcement officers on the scene who protected our former President.”
GOP Gov. Brian Kemp also shared comments Saturday, saying that all of Georgia was mourning the death of the victim at the rally.
“This attempt on former President Trump’s life is horrific and contrary to everything our nation stands for,” he said. “In America, we settle political disagreements peacefully at the ballot box - not through heinous acts of violence. We must stand together to condemn what happened today, and remind ourselves that regardless of how we vote or what we believe, we are all Americans.”