Georgia political leaders react to Trump assassination attempt
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The rally area in Butler, Pennsylvania, after Donald Trump was rushed to safety. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Georgia politicians condemned the assassination attempt on former President Trump, wished him a speedy recovery and urged unity against political violence.
Why it matters: While elected officials from both parties called for prayers and unity, there was also finger-pointing.
- Within moments, prominent Republicans blamed President Biden, the Secret Service, the media. Prominent Democrats blamed Trump's violent rhetoric for an attempt on his own life.
- The reaction by so many, so fast shows why lowering the temperature seems so implausible, Axios' Jim VandeHei write and Mike Allen write.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp: "This attempt on former President Trump's life is horrific and contrary to everything our nation stands for. In America, we settle political disagreements peacefully at the ballot box — not through heinous acts of violence."
The Carter Center: "While we don't know all the facts, we do know that all Americans should be able to gather peaceably without fear of violence. Our thoughts are with President Trump and all those affected by this horrific act, and we call on all Americans to embrace civility in our democratic processes."
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr: "What happened today is unconscionable. Violence has no place in the American political system. None. This attack and any like it cannot be tolerated."
U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Johns Creek): "Nobody is safe from gun violence in our country. From a former president to my own son. We cannot allow any place for political violence. My prayers are with the former president. We can and must do better."
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones: "It is unacceptable for political disagreements to turn violent. I am praying for our country and stand behind President Trump as he tries to unite the divisions that led to this despicable act."
- Catch up quick: Jones — a Republican who is currently being touted as a potential successor to Gov. Kemp — is currently being investigated over whether he broke any laws as one of the electors who falsely certified a Trump victory in Georgia in 2020.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock: "Yesterday's attack is an attack on all of us because it is an attack on democracy. We cannot condone one and condemn the other. They are cut from the same cloth."
- Warnock, who delivered the remarks via a sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday, said people who commit political violence like the suspected shooter were "no patriot" — and neither were the people who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
- "We cannot condone one and condemn the other. They are cut from the same cloth."
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick: "I have no doubt that this cowardly attempt to assassinate our nominee will further galvanize the American people in support of Donald J. Trump."
Republican U.S. Reps. Mike Collins of Athens and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Rome, both of whom have histories of posting incendiary rhetoric, blamed Biden, Democrats and the media for the shooting.
- "The Republican District Attorney in Butler County, PA, should immediately file charges against Joseph R. Biden for inciting an assassination," Collins said on X.
Zoom out: Trump called on Americans to "stand United" in the shooting's aftermath.
- "In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win," he shared in a message shared on Truth Social early Sunday.
What's next: The Republican National Convention begins Monday, and Trump is expected to be in attendance as he's announced as the party's presidential nominee.