Top Republicans and Democrats react to apparent assassination attempt on Trump
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Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance in New York City earlier this month. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) said Sunday he's "glad" former President Trump is safe after an apparent second assassination attempt on him, at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The big picture: Vance said on X that he spoke to his running mate before news of the incident became public. Trump "was, amazingly, in good spirits," he wrote.
Driving the news: The FBI said it's investigating "what appears to be an assassination attempt" on the former president. Politicians in both parties reacted to news of the shooting incident.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed on X that he was departing Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort after "a few hours" with the former president, whom he described as "strong and resilient" and "unstoppable."
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressed relief Sunday that Trump is safe.
- "Violence has no place in our country. It's not who we are as a nation," Walz said on X.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), also described Trump as "in good spirits" and called him "one of the strongest people I've ever known" in a post on X.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that acting U.S. Secret Service director Ronald Rowe had briefed him on the shooting as he praised the USSS on X for its quick response in ensuring Trump's safety.
- "There is no place in this country for political violence of any kind," Schumer added. "The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wrote on X that there is "no place for political violence in our country, and those responsible for it must be held to account," adding: "I hope and expect USSS and the FBI will conduct a thorough, swift, and transparent investigation."
Flashback: Trump had to be escorted off stage by U.S. Secret Service agents after his ear was grazed by a bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July.
- One person died and two were injured during the July incident, which led to Kimberly Cheatle resigning as USSS director after the Secret Service came under intense scrutiny for its response to the shooting. The suspected shooter died on the scene.
More from Axios:
- Trump shooting sparks bipartisan push to boost his security
- "We live in danger times": Secret Service after Trump apparent assassination attempt
- Trump shooting task force seeks briefing on new assassination attempt
- Biden on Trump shooting incident: "There is no place for political violence"
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
