WASHINGTON — Chaos erupted at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania Saturday night as former President Donald Trump was whisked off stage by Secret Service agents when gunshots reportedly rang out. The suspected gunman and at least one rally attendee were killed, according to a local prosecutor.
Political leaders across the DMV region -- and the political aisle -- swiftly responded with concern both for the safety of those at the rally, and the overall political climate of the country.
"There is no place for political violence in a democracy," Virginia Sen. Mark Warner posted on X less than an hour after the shooting. "I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally."
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Saturday's shooting was "against what our country stands for."
"This kind of cowardice must be roundly condemned by all Americans," Moore said. "What happened today to President Trump is abhorrent and should never be tolerated. Ever ... Our nation is and must be better than this.”
Larry Hogan, former governor of Maryland and a Republican candidate for Senate endorsed by Trump, called for the universal condemnation of political violence.
"America is a tinderbox right now," he posted. "This must stop."
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said DC Police Chief Pamela Smith and her department will be on the lookout for any local security concerns.
"The scourge of gun violence and political violence in our nation must end," the mayor wrote, as she wished the former president a smooth recovery.
President Joe Biden issued a written statement just before 8 p.m. after saying he had been briefed on the situation and said the country needs to come together to condemn such violence.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics," former President Barack Obama said.
The shooting is being investigated as an assassination attempt, according to law enforcement officials.