Florida residents and politicians react to Trump assassination attempt, condemning "political violence"
MIAMI — Florida politicians from both sides of the aisle are reacting after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump happened at his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.
The Secret Service says Trump is "safe," after agents rushed him off the stage after what appeared to be multiple shots were fired at the rally. The former president pumped his fist in the air in a show of strength, blood streaming across his face and ear.
"An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania," USSS spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. "The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
All around the Sunshine State, Republicans and Democrats are responding with serious concern and condemning the political violence.
"Pray for President Trump. Pray for our country," Sen. Rick Scott shared on X, later posting that he was thankful for the "heroic" Secret Service agents who rushed in to protect Trump.
I am so thankful for the heroic agents who rushed in to protect President Trump. They are heroes!
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) July 13, 2024
The Director of the Secret Service needs to come out ASAP and let us know how this happened and how everyone at the RNC and DNC conventions will be safe.
"The Director of the Secret Service needs to come out ASAP and let us know how this happened and how everyone at the RNC and DNC conventions will be safe," he added.
Many other Florida Republicans shared on X that their thoughts and prayers were with Trump, his family and the rally's attendees, including Sen. Marco Rubio, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Republican Party Chair Evan Power, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez joined CBS News Miami on Sunday morning, saying that political differences need to be resolved at the ballot box and not through violence.
In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, more local lawmakers also shared their reactions to social media.
Gloria and I are praying for President Trump, Melania, the Trump family, and all affected by today’s tragic incident.
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) July 13, 2024
"Gloria and I are praying for President Trump, Melania, the Trump family, and all affected by today's tragic incident," Miami Mayor Francis Suarez shared on X.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called the attack "reprehensible."
The news of former President Donald Trump being attacked is reprehensible.
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) July 13, 2024
Regardless of your beliefs, this kind of attack goes against the very foundation of what our country stands for and the values we hold dear. Praying for the safety of the former President and his family.
"Regardless of your beliefs, this kind of attack goes against the very foundation of what our country stands for and the values we hold dear," she shared on X. "Praying for the safety of the former President and his family."
It appears someone just tried to assassinate former President Trump. Praying for the former President. This is not how we settle our differences. This is why crazy people shouldn’t have guns.
— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 13, 2024
President Biden should do an address to calm the nation. https://t.co/ZfTAA7FndO
"This is not how we settle our differences," Rep. Jared Moskowitz shared on X, calling upon President Biden to immediately address the country.
There is no place for political violence in this country — period. The Florida Democratic Party unequivocally condemns today’s violence and thanks the Secret Service, law enforcement, and first responders for their swift response.
— Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) July 13, 2024
The Florida Democratic Party shared on X that there is "no place" for political violence.
Political violence is never the answer and every political leader must make that crystal clear.
— Rep. Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) July 13, 2024
I have my differences with President Trump, but our country cannot delve into one where we attack political leaders.
Wishing him a speedy recovery.
"Political violence is never the answer and every political leader must make that crystal clear. I have my differences with President Trump, but our country cannot delve into one where we attack political leaders," Rep. Frederica Wilson shared on X. "Wishing him a speedy recovery."