Reactions to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump were swift and resounding, with a near-unanimous consensus declaring that the violence and vitriol have gotten out of hand. Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie called the situation “deeply disturbing,” adding that “there is no room for violence in our political process.” Josh Shapiro, the Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania, called the shooting “absolutely unacceptable,” dubbing the moment “painful and shocking” before urging Americans to stand firmly against violence.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were also among those to speak out after the watershed moment. “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” Obama shared on X, formerly Twitter. “We should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.” Meanwhile, Bush dubbed the event a “cowardly attack” but was grateful that Trump was safe.
Former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney called the attack “horrifying,” adding that “violence of any kind has no place in American politics.” Former congressman Joe Walsh didn’t mince words in his response to the shooting, writing, “Political violence, no matter where it comes from, is ALWAYS wrong. ALWAYS,” but reminded his followers that “nobody has encouraged & incited political violence these past nine years more than Donald Trump has.”
