By Antonio Ray Harvey
Contributing Writer
SACRAMENTO — Various California leaders denounced the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, and shared messages of support with the Republican presidential candidate.
As the former president was speaking to supporters, a sniper fired a shot that grazed his right ear before he was removed from harm’s way by secret service officers. One spectator was killed and two critically wounded, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that the suspect, Matthew Thomas, 20, was shot and killed after the attack.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber issued a statement shortly after the incident, sharing that her “heart goes out to the victims and their families” and that she is “praying” for the former president.
“Over my lifetime, I have witnessed too many acts of political violence in America,” Weber said. “Going back decades, too many people have been harmed or killed for what they believe.
“We resolve political differences at the ballot box, through activism and by participating in political discourse. There is no room for political violence.”
Gunshots rang out at approximately 3:15 p.m., Pacific Time (6:15 p.m. Eastern) at the site of the rally. The attempt by the alleged shooter took place from a nearby rooftop.
The attempt on the former president’s life happened two days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families of this terrible tragedy,” Weber added. “We are praying for the former president and those who were injured for a rapid recovery. We will keep those who have lost their lives and their families in our prayers.”
California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, shared his sentiments in a letter hours after the shooting.
“Today’s senseless attack was a shocking and horrific act,” Gallagher wrote. “We must completely shut down those who would use violence to snuff out their political opponents. Janna and I are praying for President Trump, and everyone impacted by this violence.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Black Republican running for Congress in the November general election, offered prayers and support to Trump after the shooting in Pennsylvania.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with President Donald J. Trump and his family following the recent shooting in Pennsylvania,” Lincoln said. “We extend our heartfelt support to him and his loved ones during this challenging time. May they find strength, comfort and a swift recovery in the outpouring of well wishes from across the nation.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted her sentiments on the X, social media platform formerly called Twitter.
“What happened today in Pennsylvania is unacceptable and tragic,” Bass said. “Political violence has no place in our nation. I wish former President Trump a full recovery and my thoughts are with all those impacted this evening.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted on X, “Violence has no place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today.”
Antonio Ray Harvey is a reporter for California Black Media.
