Texas leaders express outrage and concern after Trump is rushed offstage: "Horrible and scary"
MILWAUKEE — Texas Republicans across the state expressed outrage and support for former President Donald Trump after he was evacuated off the stage during a campaign event in Pennsylvania on Saturday after loud bangs were heard.
"What a horrible and scary situation unfolding. Please join me in praying for President Trump and all those at the rally right now," Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan said on social media.
U.S. Secret Service took Trump off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after loud bangs that sounded like gunshots. Blood appeared to be streaked across the former president's ear. Trump was taken to safety, and Secret Service is investigating the incident, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Gugliemi said in a statement.
The Associated Press reported a suspected shooter was killed and another rally attendee was dead.
"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.
Many of Trump's most ardent supporters were quick to condemn the violence on social media.
"The world is evil. Praise God that President Trump was able to walk away on his own. Praying for complete healing and that this person is captured immediately," Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote.
"This is horrific & wrong & evil. Thank God he appears not to be seriously injured," U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said in his own post. "Heidi & I are lifting President Trump up in prayer right now."
"They try to jail him. They try to kill him. It will not work. He is indomitable," Gov. Greg Abbott posted.
The White House disclosed that President Joe Biden had also been briefed on the situation.
The incident occurred as Republicans from across the country began gathering in Milwaukee for their national party convention where they plan to nominate Trump for this year's presidential election. Trump will also name his running mate at the convention.
The attack is likely to loom over the rest of the convention — the first of its scale since 2016 when Trump was first nominated for presidency. The 2020 convention was drastically scaled down due to the pandemic). Several Texans will be speaking at the convention, including Abbott and Cruz.
As Secret Service were hurrying the president off the stage, he insisted on going back to the lectern to raise his fist in a show of strength. The image of him doing so in front of an American flag became a rallying cry for Republicans, with several Republicans posting it on social media.
"And Trump's chances of losing just went to zero," U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw wrote on social media with a picture of Trump raising his fist.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said he was in Butler with Trump and that he was "shocked, but thankful that he had survived today's assassination attempt."
Democrats also voiced their concern.
"Violence of any kind has no place in our democracy, and I condemn this horrific attack in the strongest possible terms. I pray former President Trump makes a full and complete recovery and am thankful for the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action," U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a Dallas Democrat challenging Cruz this year, said on social media.
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, a Houston Democrat, echoed Allred.
"Violence of any kind is never acceptable. I am praying for former President Trump and his recovery," Garcia said on social media. Garcia was an impeachment manager in Trump's first House impeachment.