Rockland Officials React To Trump’s Attempted Assassination
By Idy Perl
Saturday afternoon the current elections changed forever
when a 20-year-old man attempted to assassinate former President Trump during a
rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter injured Trump on his right ear, critically
wounded two spectators, and killed one rally-goer.
The attempt comes at a time when America seems to be more divided
than ever. Tensions have been rising as the November elections draw closer, and
both Democrats and Republicans have been spreading provocative rhetoric about
the other side, leading to more polarization and partisanship.
Following the attempted assassination, a number of Rockland
County officials from both sides of the aisle took to X to spread a message of
unity and condemn political violence.
County Executive Ed Day:
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald
Trump, reportedly shot during his rally…Regardless of how one feels about party
and politics, that disagreement should never be escalated to violence. Rather,
we all need to take a step back, pray for the former President, and universally
condemn acts like this”
Supervisor Michael Specht:
“The only decent response to the horrific shooting today,
no matter what one's politics, is to condemn all political violence, be
grateful that former President Trump's injuries are not life threatening, and
hope for the speedy recovery of all innocent persons injured.”
Senator Bill Weber:
“Thankfully former President Trump's wounds are not life
threatening after the assassination attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania
campaign rally. We pray for him and his family. No matter where you stand or
what side of the aisle you agree with, political violence has no place in our
democracy. We are better than this.”
Former senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick:
“We know nothing yet about what motivated the attack on Donald Trump, but political violence is always horrific and never acceptable. Politicians should not have to fear for their lives to run for office.”
Congressman Mike Lawler released a statement with Rep.
Richie Torres calling for legislation to provide enhanced security for all
three presidential candidates: President Biden, former President Trump, and
Robert F. Kennedy, who has repeatedly been denied security from the current
administration.
“Last night’s attempted assassination of former President
Trump was a dark moment in our nation’s history. As reports continue to emerge,
it’s clear that more protection is needed for all major candidates for
president. That’s why we’re planning on introducing bipartisan legislation
providing President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and presidential
candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. with enhanced Secret Service protection. Anything
less would be a disservice to our democracy.”