Illinois lawmakers plead for campaigns to tone down rhetoric
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Republican presidential candidate former President Trump is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Republican National Convention begins today in Milwaukee as the nation reacts to the assassination attempt of the party's nominee, former President Trump.
The big picture: Both Trump and President Biden will now face pressure to dial down the temperature ahead of an election that has transformed the country into a tinderbox, writes Axios' Zachary Basu.
- Trump is urging Americans to "stand united." President Biden, too.
Catch up quick: Trump was shot in his right ear at a campaign rally on Saturday evening. Secret Service rushed the former president, who had blood on his face, from the stage.
- One rally attendee and the alleged shooter died, and two others are in critical condition.
Zoom in: Illinois leaders from both parties were quick to condemn the shooting, including Gov. JB Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Illinois GOP chair-elect Kathy Salvi.
What they're saying: "Let me be crystal clear: Political violence is never acceptable," Johnson said in a statement Saturday night.
Others blamed political rhetoric for the attack.
- "I am deeply concerned by the rise in violence against government officials and candidates," U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) said in a statement. "As we head to November, elected officials, the media, and we as Americans have an obligation to elevate the discourse and lower the temperature."
- "The hatred for President Trump on social media and in the mainstream media needs to stop immediately because what happened is the end result of the hateful rhetoric," Republican state Rep. Adam Niemerg said in a statement.
- "The rhetoric & vitriol in our public debate has become terrifying," Democratic Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias posted on X. "Our statements of condemnation and our prayers are destined to come up short again. Let's show compassion for others & respect for those we disagree with."
Zoom out: The shooting comes as the RNC gets underway in Milwaukee. Police and Secret Service have expanded the security perimeter around the Fiserv Forum and other convention halls, according to CBS News.
What's next: Trump says he will go to Milwaukee to accept the nomination in person.
- "Trump is within one well-disciplined, independent-oriented, convention performance of the presidency," Republican strategist Chris Robling tells Axios. "At this moment, it's out of Biden's hand. It is Trump's to lose."