As the shooting at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania continues to be investigated as an assassination attempt on the former president, political leaders around the world are speaking out to condemn political violence of all kinds. Black leaders mostly called for a thorough investigation into the shooting and promised hearings and press conferences in response to the event.
Vice President Kamala Harris took to X shortly after the initial violence to say “We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
Former President Obama also tweeted “...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.”
Georgia Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock told Americans that “We are better than this” in a recent tweet.
Overall, statements were filled with relief for Trump’s safety and concern about gun violence flooded the internet. But there were others who expressed their hesitant emotions about Trump’s incendiary role in it all, with some like Tenn. Sen. Antonio Parkinson even suggesting the shooting was planned.
“I certainly hope this is not a staged act. But...” Sen. Parkinson first tweeted. After receiving much backlash, Parkinson then wrote as part of a series of tweets “Regardless of what side of the isle you’re on, all acts of violence and those perpetrating them should be denounced emphatically.”
After offering his condolences to the victim’s family, Parkinson told Americans “We have to do better as a nation and I truly believe we can do better.”
Another senator from Tenn., London Lamar, saw the shooting as an opportunity to call for gun reform. On X, she wrote “Gun violence is too rampant in our country and I hope this situation changes the minds of his [Trump] followers and Republican lawmakers.”
She continued by giving her condolences to the by-stander killed, and in true Democrat fashion, urging voters to head to the polls in November. Many, however, noticed in a now deleted tweet, Lamar blamed Trump and his MAGA movement for inciting yesterday’s violence.
While some Democrats blamed Trump for inciting violence in the past, Republican leaders are also pointing fingers at President Biden, calling him indirectly responsible for the attack on the GOP nominee. In a tweet, Senator Tim Scott said “For years, Democrats and their allies in the media have recklessly stoked fears, calling President Trump and other conservatives threats to democracy.” Scott continued, saying “Their inflammatory rhetoric puts lives at risk.”
Scott, who recently talked to the Root about his support of Trump, is hoping to become Trump’s running mate for the former president’s reelection bid. All eyes have been on Trump to make a decision about his VP selection, and he was predicted to announce his decision during the Republican National Convention, which starts on Monday. (See Scott in The Root’s Exclusive interview.) campaign plans.
In reaction to the fatal shooting, Independent presidential candidate Cornel West called for peace against all acts of hatred around the world in a tweet. “As presidential candidates, we all must renounce any language and acts of hatred and violence against anyone, including Black People, Immigrants, Palestinians, Jews, Muslims…”
The public is still waiting to hear from other prominent Black politicians like former Ga. Rep. Stacey Abrams and Calif. Rep. Maxine Waters, who is known to be critical of the former president.