Guam's Democratic party released a statement condemning the assassination attempt of former U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally.
“The Democratic Party of Guam strongly condemns the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and political violence in any form. We are relieved to hear that former President Trump is safe and well," according to the statement. "We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of the innocent person whose life was reportedly taken by the shooter, and we are grateful for the swift action of federal and local law enforcement. The Democratic Party of Guam stands united in calling for peace and unity for our nation.”
Trump was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pa. when shots were fired. Videos posted online show him speaking when the muted sound of gunfire is heard and the former president clutches his ear. He ducks down behind the podium where he is swarmed by Secret Service agents. What sounds like comments calling for an all clear, agents allow him to rise and walk him off the stage with a bloodied ear. He later posts on social media that he was "shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear".
A member of the audience at the rally was killed.
Agents shot the suspected gunman who has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20.
President Joe Biden, during a press conference following the shooting, said he is reaching out to Trump who was with his doctors at the time but reportedly doing well.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick,” Biden said. “It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to happening, we cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”
Biden added the Trump team should have been able to hold the rally in peace.
“The idea that there’s political violence or violence like this is … not appropriate,” he said. “Everybody must condemn it.”
In a post, shortly after the incident, Trump thanked Secret Service agents and law enforcement.
“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,” Trump wrote. “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. … 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.” mbj