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Prominent Democratic lawmakers were quick to condemn an incident at a Saturday Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where the former president was whisked off the stage by Secret Service after popping sounds akin to gunfire were heard.
"There is no place for political violence in our democracy," former President Barack Obama said in a statement. "Although we don't yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."
"Violence has NO place in our democracy," California Gov. Gavin Newson wrote in a statement on X. "My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today."
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was the subject of a kidnapping plot several years ago, wrote on X: "There is no place for political violence in this country, period. This is not how we solve our differences."
"I am horrified to learn of this news, and we will be following the situation closely. I am grateful for those in law enforcement who stepped in immediately," Whitmer wrote.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Sen. Bernie Sanders also quickly condemned what they characterized as an act of "political violence."
"Political violence is absolutely unacceptable," Sanders wrote on X. "I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery."
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was attacked in 2022, said, "As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe."
As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those
A member of the Biden administration also condemned the incident.
"In this horrible moment, encouraged to hear President Trump's team indicate that the former president is doing well," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on X.
"An entire nation must speak with one voice today to completely and unequivocally reject all political violence."
Details of the Saturday incident remain unclear, but photos and video footage appear to show blood on Donald Trump's face as he was removed from the stage by security detail.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the US Secret Service, wrote on X that, "An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania."
"The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe," the statement continued. "This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available."
In a statement to Business Insider, a Trump spokesperson said in an email, "President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
