Politics

‘Clearly an assassination attempt.’ Florida politicians react to Trump rally shooting

Former President Donald Trump is surrounded by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa, on Saturday, July, 13, 2024. Trump was escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents and into his motorcade just minutes into his rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, after a series of pops that sounded like gunshots rang out. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Former President Donald Trump is surrounded by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa, on Saturday, July, 13, 2024. Trump was escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents and into his motorcade just minutes into his rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, after a series of pops that sounded like gunshots rang out. (Eric Lee/The New York Times) NYT

After former President Donald Trump was injured in a shooting Saturday at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Florida Senator Rick Scott condemned the “assassination attempt” while offering sympathies that were echoed among other Florida politicians.

Trump was rushed off a Pennsylvania stage after he was grazed by gunfire, and two people — a shooter and a rally attendee — were killed, according to multiple media reports. Trump emerged with blood on his face and ear after ducking behind a lectern. He pumped his fist in the air as he was ushered off the stage.

READ MORE: Trump ‘fine’ after being rushed off stage in Pennsylvania after shots appeared to ring out

State and local elected officials quickly took to social media to offer blessings and hopes of recovery.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “[Casey DeSantis] and I are praying for Donald Trump and his family.”

In a post on X, Scott said “This was clearly an assassination attempt on President Trump. I’m glad he seems okay, and I am praying for him and all who were at the rally.”

Senator Marco Rubio posted: “Praying for President Trump and all those attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called the news “reprehensible.” in a statement.

“Regardless of your beliefs, this kind of attack goes against the very foundation of what our country stands for and the values we hold dear, she said. “Praying for the safety of the former President and his family.”

On social media, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said “Gloria and I are praying for President Trump, Melania, the Trump family and all affected by today’s tragic incident.”

The Florida Democratic Party said, “There is no place for political violence in this country — period. The Florida Democratic Party unequivocally condemns today’s violence and thanks the Secret Service, law enforcement, and first responders for their swift response.”

Christian Ziegler, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said, “Pray for President Trump.”

In a statement Saturday night, President Joe Biden said he had been briefed on the shooting.

“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” he said.’

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This story was originally published July 13, 2024 at 8:13 PM.

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Devoun Cetoute
Miami Herald
Miami Herald Cops and Breaking News Reporter Devoun Cetoute covers a plethora of Florida topics, from breaking news to crime patterns. He was on the breaking news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. He’s a graduate of the University of Florida, born and raised in Miami-Dade. Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.
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