NH, Maine Republicans rush to support Trump after shooting: Here’s what they’re saying

Leading Republicans in New Hampshire and Maine are reacting to the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Many are condemning political violence. Some are indicating they believe the shooting is part of a broad attempt to stop Trump from winning the 2024 presidential election. Here’s a look at what they’re saying in prepared statements, posts on X and other social media:

Kelly Ayotte, Republican candidate for New Hampshire governor and former U.S. senator: “Joe and I are thankful to hear that President Trump is safe and this heinous attempt on his life failed. There is no place for political violence in our society and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families tonight.”

Chuck Morse, Republican candidate for New Hampshire governor and former state Senate president, reposted a comment by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and stated: “Governor Abbott is right. They will do everything in their power to try and stop President Trump from getting back into the Oval Office, but it won’t work. The American people will not be silenced, and our Republican Party will not stop working until we get President Trump across the finish line this fall.

Chris Ager, chairman of the New Hampshire GOP: “God Bless President Trump and the United States of America. I ask all of you to pray for President Trump, the attendees that have been killed or injured, and our country. This shooting is nothing less than evil. Let’s pull together and fight for our views – without violence. But make no mistake, we will protect ourselves.”

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu: “Violence of any form has no place in America. Glad to hear that President Trump is doing well and wish him the best in a speedy recovery.”

Russell Prescott, Republican candidate for U.S. House in New Hampshire District 1: “Susan and I are praying for President Trump. This incident is unacceptable.”

Hollie Noveletsky, Republican candidate for U.S. House in New Hampshire District 1: “It is hard to believe what has just happened today. President Trump is in my prayers and I wish him a speedy recovery. I am also praying for those in law enforcement and all who were attending the rally. This violence is unacceptable.”

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: “I am very relieved that President Trump appears to be OK; however, this violence is absolutely appalling. Thank God for the Secret Service and first responders who hurried President Trump out of harm’s way.”

Maine state Rep. Austin Theriault, Republican candidate for U.S. House: “My family and I are praying for President Trump, everyone at the rally, our law enforcement, and for our country. This is a dark day in U.S. history and I am hopeful it will serve as a wake-up call. Our country needs to unite and come together.”

NH state Sen. Bill Gannon, Republican in NH state Senate: “My prayers are with President Trump, his family, and the attendees of tonight’s rally. Glad to hear he is doing well and wishing him a quick recovery. Grateful for the swift action of the Secret Service, political violence has no place in America.”

NH state Rep. Emily Phillips, Republican candidate for state Senate: “Be strong President Trump. We are with you.”

Democrats in NH and Maine reacting, too

Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire: “Political violence has no place in our civic life, and we must condemn it in the strongest possible terms.  My thoughts are with former President Trump, his family, and all those in Butler, PA, and I am grateful for the Secret Service and local law enforcement on the scene.”

Joyce Craig, Democrat candidate for New Hampshire governor: “Political violence is unacceptable. I’m hoping President Trump and everyone at his rally is safe.”

Cinde Warmington, Democrat candidate for New Hampshire governor: “Today is a sad day for our country. There is no room for political violence in America. I am grateful for the swift response of the secret service. My thoughts are with former President Trump, his family, and all attendees of the rally in Butler.”

Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Democrat: “Please join me in praying for the health and safety of former President Trump, those who attended his rally today, and our country. There is absolutely no place for violence in our politics – none.”

Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine: “Political violence of any kind is never acceptable. Ever. My thoughts are with the former President, his family, and those who were in attendance.”

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine: “I am praying for former President Trump and others at the rally today in PA, as well as for law enforcement on the scene. I pray whoever is responsible is quickly apprehended and held accountable. There must be no room for violence of any kind in our politics.”

Troy Jackson, Maine Democrat, state Senate president: “I am glad to hear that President Trump is safe and am terribly sorry for the loss of a person – an innocent bystander – that was tragically killed during today’s incident. There is no place in our world for political violence – everyone should have the right to believe in whatever they want as long as it does not cause harm and hurt to other people.”

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This story may be updated.