Border leaders condemn attack on Trump

LAREDO, Texas – Border leaders have condemned an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and expressed concern for him.

The Republican presidential candidate was shot in the right ear while he was on stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Saying it was an assassination attempt, the FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Authorities say he fired multiple shots from a building rooftop just outside the rally venue, before he was killed by Secret Service agents.

The gunman and at least one attendee of the rally are dead, the Secret Service has reported. Trump was taken to hospital but is now recuperating at his home in New Jersey.

“This is a horrific event and there is no place for political violence, period.  We need to have civil discourse and exercise our democratic rights in a peaceful manner. My thoughts and prayers are with the former President and innocent bystanders who lost their lives or were injured,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo said: “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald Trump, his family, and those who attended the rally. Political violence has no place in our country. Thank you to Secret Service, law enforcement personnel and first responders for their critical work during this difficult time.” 

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen said: “Political violence is never the answer. Thank you to the first responders and Secret Service for doing their job and maintaining order. I pray for former President Trump and our country. We must unite against any violence.”

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz of McAllen said: “I ask all South Texans to join me in praying for President Trump and his family tonight. Many of our families fled political violence in Latin America, and regardless of political affiliation, we can all agree there is no place for that here. I am deeply concerned by today’s events, but I take solace in knowing that President Trump is strong. America needs strong leadership. We cannot continue down this path of chaos.”

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio said: “Political violence is unacceptable in any form. As we wait for more information, I commend the Secret Service agents who acted quickly to protect the former president and prevent further harm to the crowd.”

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of San Antonio said: “I pray President Trump has a speedy recovery.”

Roman Palomares, national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said: “LULAC strongly disavows the use of violence such as what was reported at a political rally for former President Donald Trump. We express our wishes for his well-being and full recovery. LULAC reminds Americans that violence is not the answer; the answer is your vote.”

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said: “Senseless acts of violence have no place in our country. We may not all agree ideologically, but this country was founded on that freedom. Whether you support the former President or not, I think all of us can agree that these types of violent acts should be condemned. I am glad to hear that former President Trump is safe, and as we learn more, I encourage our community to pray for anyone affected by the senseless shooting today.”

El Paso County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego said: “I am praying for the safety and healing of our Former President, the brave secret service members that acted quickly, and everyone who was in attendance today. El Pasoans know the impact of an event like this better than most, unfortunately. Any such event is devastating and shocking, but also brings a unique opportunity for unity and clarity. 

“Violence has no place in our democracy nor our communities. I ask everyone to remember that we have far more in common than we often realize. This November’s elections should not be based on the events of today or political parties but should be focused on how we move our country forward to be the best that we can be.

“We have a responsibility to treat each other with respect and kindness, today and every day. Let us not allow fear and division to overshadow our shared values and aspirations.”

Former President Trump posted a statement on his Truth Social platform.

“It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening,” Trump said. “We will feat not.”

Trump said he would remain “resilient” and added, “Our love goes out to the other victims and their families.”

Trump added: “In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win,” he said. “I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin.”

Trump is expected to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, which begins Monday.

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