CHICAGO — A suspected shooter has died and at least one audience member was killed after gunshots rang out at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon.
Sources told the Associated Press that the incident is now being investigated as an assassination attempt.
Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said the suspected gunman is dead and at least one rally attendee was killed.
Following the attack several local and state politicians issued statements.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wished the former president a swift recovery.
“I wish Donald Trump a swift recovery. I am grateful to the first responders and law enforcement officers on the scene who acted quickly. Let me be crystal clear: Political violence is never acceptable,” Johnson said in a social media post.
“I want to make it clear that political violence is never acceptable. I wish former President Trump a swift recovery. In our democracy, differences should be settled through dialogue and mutual respect, not through acts of violence,” Toni Preckwinkle, the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement.
“I am aware of the situation in Pennsylvania and while we await more information there is one thing that is clear: there is no place for violence in the political process. I am relieved the former President is okay and I hope no one else was injured in this horrific incident,” Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley said in a statement on X.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth also issued a statement condemning the incident.
“There is absolutely no excuse—and no place whatsoever—for violence in American politics, and those responsible for this must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I am keeping Donald Trump in my thoughts and hoping he has a swift and full recovery,” Duckworth said.
“Today is a terrible day for our nation. Nothing anyone says or beliefs they hold can EVER justify political violence – it is always unacceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with injured victims today, including former President Trump and his family, from today’s horrific act. We must come together to condemn all violence, seek unity and work to do better as a country,” State Representative Dan Ugaste said in a statement.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin also condemned the incident.
“I’m keeping the former president, the bystander who was tragically killed, and all who were injured or whose safety was threatened in my thoughts,” Durbin said.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he is closely monitoring the situation.
“Violence is never the answer in our democracy. I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for former President Trump’s recovery. Thankful to the Secret Service for their quick response,” Pritzker said.
Will County Republican Central Committee Chairman Christina Clausen offered thought and prayers to the former president.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the assassination attempt on President Trump. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and all those affected by this tragic event. This senseless act of violence is a direct consequence of the inflammatory rhetoric perpetuated by left-wing media and irresponsible statements made by political leaders,” Clausen said in a statement.
The Illinois GOP said in a statement that it stands with the former president following the incident.
“Statement from Chairwoman-Elect Kathy Salvi: “The Republicans of Illinois are united and stand with President Trump. We express our full support for President Trump and his family. We appreciate the prompt response by law enforcement and the Secret Service,” a GOP spokesperson said in a post on X.
“We are shocked and saddened by the events at the rally in PA. Political violence has no place in our society. We pray for the safety of all attendees and condemn violence in the strongest terms. Thank you to the first responders and Secret Service for their swift response,” a spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Illinois said.