Alaska political leaders decry ‘cowardly’ assassination attempt on Trump

Alaska’s political leaders have universally condemned an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The shooting occurred during a July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when Trump was hit in the ear by a bullet. The gunman was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania.

At least one rally attendee is dead, and two others were critically injured.

A bloodied, but defiant, Trump was quickly removed from the rally stage, but not before he pumped his fist to reassure the startled crowd. The shooter was killed by Secret Service members moments after firing several rounds from a rooftop overlooking the Trump rally.

“I am incredibly relieved that President Trump is safe after a cowardly attempted assassination earlier today in Pennsylvania,” Sen. Dan Sullivan stated following the assault. “Julie and I are praying for President Trump and his family and are hoping for a speedy recovery. He exhibited incredible courage today. Our hearts and prayers also go out to the family of the rally attendee who was tragically killed in this attack, and any others who were injured at the rally. Political violence is abhorrent and has absolutely no place in our country. We are all Americans. We are all grateful for the courageous Secret Service and law enforcement members who quickly responded to engage the shooter and get President Trump out of harm’s way.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski called the attack horrifying.

“What we saw today in Pennsylvania was horrifying,” she posted on social media. “This is the United States of America: there is no place for violence in politics. We are all praying for the health and safety of former President Trump, the family of the bystander who was killed, and everyone who was at the rally.”

Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola also condemned the attack.

“This is an assassination attempt plain and simple,” she stated. “America is better than this. My thoughts are with President Trump and his family, and all at the rally.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said his thoughts and prayers are with Trump and his family.

“The world is outraged!” he stated. “This is not how we settle our differences and I hope law enforcement brings those responsible to justice soon. I join millions of my fellow Americans who hope the President makes a speedy recovery.”

Trump released the following statement hours after the shooting.

I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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