Breaking: Updates and Idaho Elected Officials and Political Groups React to Trump Assassination Attempt

Note: Given the fluidity of the situation, Idaho Dispatch will continue to update the article as more reactions and information become available. 

Update on 7/13/2024 at 7:43 p.m. MT:

The Idaho Democratic Party did not post its own statement but did reshare President Joe Biden’s statement, which we posted below.

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Update on 7/13/2024 at 7:24 p.m. MT:

President Joe Biden released the following statement on X:

“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.  I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

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Update on 7/13/2024 at 7:07 p.m. MT:

The United States Secret Service has confirmed that a shooter was killed by their personnel. They released the following statement:

“During former President Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue. US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is now safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

Update on 7/13/2024 at 6:53 p.m. MT:

Former President Donald Trump has posted the following on his Truth Social account:

“I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.

I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Update on 7/13/24 at 6:47 p.m. MT:

We have not yet been able to find a reaction from the Idaho Democratic Party or any elected Idaho Democrats. We will continue to look for their reaction.

The Libertarian Party of Idaho posted the following on X:

“Just in case anyone wondered: we condemn political assassinations. The proper solution when ruled by someone you hate is to follow the example of the great men in 1776: secede from the empire you hate, and defend yourselves if necessary.”

Original Story Below

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Former President Donald Trump appears to have been injured in what may have been a possible assassination attempt.

Trump was rallying in Pennsylvania when what sounded like gunshot noises could be heard. Trump then reached down and grabbed his ear, which had blood running from it, and then the Secret Service rushed to the stage to protect him.

In the video from the event, law enforcement can be heard saying, “Shooter’s down,” before getting Trump up and escorted off the stage.

The Washington Post is reporting that the Butler County district attorney, Richard Goldinger, is saying that the shooter and an attendee are dead. The name of the shooter or the innocent victim has not been released.

Here are some of the reactions from elected officials in Idaho to the alleged assassination attempt:

Governor Brad Little on X: 

“America needs our candidates to be able to campaign safely. This is a sad day. Prayers for President Trump and praise for our Secret Service.”

Congressman Mike Simpson on X:

“Resorting to violence is never acceptable, and words should always supersede our actions.

President Trump deserves our admiration and respect. His family and our nation demand our prayers in this time of need.”

Congressman Russ Fulcher on X:

“The Lord protected President Donald J. Trump. Please join me in praying for our nation.”

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo on X:

“An apparent assassination attempt against a former President and current candidate for the President of the United States is beyond enraging and wholly un-American. I am praying for Donald Trump and hope he will recover expeditiously.”

U.S. Senator Jim Risch on X:

“The apparent attempt on President Trump’s life in Pennsylvania is absolutely horrific. Vicki and I are praying for President Trump and all those injured in today’s despicable incident.”

Attorney General Raul Labrador on X:

“PRAY FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRAY FOR OUR NATION! #USA“

The Idaho Republican Party on X:

“An attempt was just made on President Trump’s life! We need prayers for Donald J. Trump, his family, and our country. #MAGA“