(NewsNation) — Following a shooting during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in which former President Donald Trump appeared to be injured, officials and lawmakers were quick to offer messages of goodwill towards him and those in attendance.
After several loud noises, Trump paused his speech, put his right hand to his right ear and then ducked down on his own power as people around him yelled “get down, get down.” As people seated behind Trump ducked and screamed, TV microphones picked up the sound of rapid sounds.
Early Sunday morning, the FBI said the attempted assassin was Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, some 200 miles east of the rally.
President Joe Biden said Saturday evening that he had received a briefing on the shooting.
“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.”
The U.S. Secret Service issued the following statement shortly after:
“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. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.”
House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., said his family’s prayers are with the attendees.
“Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the campaign rally today in Pennsylvania, and we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene,” the statement read in part.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has pledged to launch an investigation with the House Oversight Committee he chairs.
Sen. J.D. Vance, R, Ohio, expressed his concern on social media:
“Everyone join me in praying for our President Trump and everyone at that rally. I hope everyone is ok.”
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., posted a photo of Trump, who face appeared and right ear appeared to be bleeding.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., decried “political violence” in a statement posted to social media.
“I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she was thankful that the former president was “unharmed.”
“… I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., also wished the former president well.
“Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”
Former President Barack Obama, while wishing Trump well, said this is a time for the U.S. to recommit to “civility and respect.”
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, 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. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords of Arizona, who survived a gunshot wound to the head during an attempted assassination in 2011, also offered Trump words of encouragement and a condemnation of political violence.
“Political violence is terrifying. I know. I’m holding former President Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable—never.”
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.