Trump Dodges Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders across the party spectrum.

Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, just days before he is set to be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate for 2024.

Trump Dodges Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple shots ring out at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, before Trump appeared to grab his neck, duck behind the podium, and was surrounded by Secret Service agents. He was then escorted off-stage with a defiant first pump.

The Secret Service confirmed that Trump is safe.

Trump Dodges Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

Democratic leaders in Congress were quick to condemn the violence.

"My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Trump Dodges Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wrote, "I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country."

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also briefed on the incident as it continues to unfold.

Trump Dodges Assassination Attempt at Pennsylvania Rally

Republican leaders also denounced the attack.

"Political violence is unacceptable and un-American. Grateful that the former President is safe. Our thoughts are with him and everyone in attendance at the rally," said House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA).

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said, "As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President's rally today are unharmed."

Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), one of Trump's loudest critics in Congress, also expressed his condemnation.

"Horrified by this apparent assassination attempt. There is no place for political violence in our democracy. Absolutely none. Grateful for the swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service. Wishing President Trump a swift recovery," Schiff wrote on Twitter.

Several high-profile Democratic governors have also come out to condemn the reported violence.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, "Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States."

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper wrote, "Violence has no place in our politics or communities. I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured."

The motive for the attack is still unknown, and no arrests have been made. Law enforcement is investigating the incident.