Massachusetts lawmakers are issuing statements after a shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday night. All are condemning political violence.
The shooting, which is being investigated as an assassination attempt, left one person, two others critically injured, and the gunman dead on Saturday, July 13. The gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, outside Pittsburgh.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was recovering after he was injured in the right ear when a sniper opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle from a rooftop about 400 feet outside a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania.
What Gov. Maura Healey said:
"Political violence has no place in this country, and all Americans must condemn it," the Democratic governor said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"I’m grateful for the swift response from law enforcement. I’m relieved the former President appears to be safe and my thoughts are with all who were at today’s rally."
What Senator Elizabeth Warren said
”Political violence is wrong and I condemn it. I hope everyone who attended the rally is ok and I am glad the former president is safe,” Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote on X.
Warren posted the message before the news that one person at the rally had died.
What Senator Ed Markey said
“I am praying for the family of the victim of this shooting and grateful for the safety of the former President and the brave work of Secret Service on the scene,” Senator Ed Markey wrote on X. “Political violence in all forms is condemnable.”
What Congressman William Keating said
"First, my thoughts and prayers are with the individual who lost their life today as well as those critically injured," the Democratic U.S. representative said on X. "This nonsensical violence wielded at former President Trump was fortunately unsuccessful. There is no place for violence of any kind in our society."
What Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said
"No one should fear for their life anywhere, including at a political rally," the Democratic U.S. representative said on X. "Condemning this brazen act of violence in the strongest terms and praying for everyone impacted."
What Congresswoman Katherine Clark said
"I am horrified by the violence we witnessed yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump, his family, and the attendees who were harmed," Congresswoman Katherine Clark wrote on X.
Clark is House Democratic Party Whip.
"Political violence is never acceptable and threatens our country’s most fundamental values," she said. "As deeply as Americans may disagree with one another, we are one people. We cannot allow our differences to erode peace and stability in America."
What Congressman Richard Neil said
”This type of violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in America or our political system. My thoughts are with former President Trump, and I hope that everyone in Butler, PA is safe,” wrote Congressman Richard Neal.
What Congressman Seth Moulton said
Congressman Seth Moulton re-tweeted Hakeem Jeffries statement. Jeffries is the House minority leader and he wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump.
I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response.
America is a democracy.
Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
The Marine Corps. veteran added, added, "It doesn't matter how much we might disagree in politics, violence is never acceptable. I'm glad that the former president is okay & thankful to Secret Service & law enforcement for acting so quickly. This is a polarized time, but we're stronger when we're united, not divided.
What Congressman Jim McGovern said
Congressman Jim McGovern tweeted this comment, "There is no place for violence in our country or in our politics, against any political leader or political party. It is always unacceptable and wrong. Praying that everyone is okay," with a re-tweet of the news.
What Congressman Jake Auchincloss said
"Political violence has no place in our democracy. The loss of innocent life is a tragedy," Congressman Jake Auchincloss, a Marine veteran, tweeted on Saturday. "Thank you to the law enforcement officers who acted quickly to protect former President Trump and attendees at the rally."
What Congresswoman Lori Trahan said
"Political violence of any kind is wrong and has no place in our country. As we await more information about the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, I wholeheartedly condemn this attack," tweeted Congresswoman Lori Trahan.
What Congressman Stephen Lynch said
"I am relieved to hear that former President Trump is recovering from the injuries sustained in the shooting at his rally in Butler, Pa. earlier today," Rep. Stephen Lynch posted on X. "My thoughts and prayers are with the rally attendees who were killed and wounded. I give great credit to our Secret Service agents and law enforcement personnel for the speed and effectiveness of their response. This cowardly and brutal act of gun violence is despicable and is unacceptable in the United States of America.
Massachusetts GOP issues a statement
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale, Massachusetts Republican Party National Committeeman Ron Kaufman, and Massachusetts Republican Party National Committeewoman Janet Fogarty issued a statement on Saturday night.
It read:
"The Massachusetts Republican Party extends its deepest and sincerest prayers to President Trump, his family, and the United States of America. Like every American, we are outraged, horrified, and deeply concerned. We are learning the details of the shooting in real time.
"For now, we emphasize that as Americans, we must not become so entrenched in division that we forget we are all brothers and sisters under the American flag. Whether Democrat or Republican, despite our differences, we all desire peace and prosperity for our nation. Political violence is intolerable, and we must unify as a nation to condemn this horrible incident. We expect justice for this heinous act and pray for President Trump's swift recovery."
Massachusetts State Senator Peter J. Durant issues statment
Massachusetts State Senator Peter J. Durant, who represents the Worcester & Hampshire district, issued a multi-part written statement on Saturday night.
“The violence that unfolded today at a political rally should never, ever happen in America,” Durant wrote. “While I understand that we may have differing opinions, political candidates should be able to gather with their supporters without fear that those who disagree with them will resort to actions like we saw today.”
Durant said he was saddened by the news that a person attending the rally has died and used the moment to praise the Secret Service.
“My heart is heavy knowing that a person who set out this morning to enjoy their day is now gone. My prayers are for their family and all those who were impacted by what they saw and experienced today,” Durant said. "My understanding is that those agents were able to quickly eliminate the threat and bring Trump safely out of danger. These folks are incredibly well-trained, and I am relieved that their swift actions likely saved lives today,” Durant said.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Trump rally shooting: Massachusetts congressmen and senators react
