July 15, 2024 3:50 a.m. 

Lawmakers representing parts of Douglas County have responded to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Their comments to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN included:

State Senator David Brock Smith said, “The political violence and the attempt to assassinate President Trump is an act that has no place in our country”. Brock Smith said, “As we learn more about the person or persons behind this heinous and cowardly act, we all should be outraged and unite as Americans to prosecute all involved to the fullest extent of the law”.

State Representative Virgile Osborne said, “This is a sad and tragic time for our country. The political division in our country has risen to a point where violence is commonplace”. Osborne said, “We must as a country, a state and a community come together and condemn this behavior”.

State Representative Court Boice said, “It felt like my heart stopped as the news exploded. I challenge everyone – now is the time for all Americans to come together, denounce political violence, and pray for a quick Donald Trump recovery”.

4th District U.S. Representative Val Hoyle said, “I was horrified to hear about the violence in Butler, PA. Political violence of any kind must not be tolerated”. Hoyle said, “I’m grateful to law enforcement for acting quickly to make sure there were no more injuries and for protecting former President Donald Trump”.

2nd District U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz said, “Our freedoms come with risk. Regardless of how clear we are that violence has no part in politics (we must be absolutely clear on this) some who are misguided or perhaps obsessed may resort to deadly force”.

The shooter and one man attending the rally were both killed as a result of the incident. Two others were in critical condition as of Saturday night.