ARKANSAS, USA — Arkansas lawmakers shared support for former President Donald Trump after he was rushed off stage once apparent gunshots rang through the crowd of his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
The Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe, but he was seeking medical attention.
Trump later posted to Truth Social that a bullet "pierced" his ear at the rally. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the incident is being investigated as an attempted assassination.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders came to the former president's defense minutes after news broke that gunshots were fired at one of his rallies.
"President Trump won’t be stopped," she wrote. "America can’t be broken. Pray for our country."
Bill Clinton, former Arkansas governor and president, said there is no place for violence in this country.
"Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process," Clinton said. "Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service."
Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who was previously Trump's party opponent at the beginning of the presidential race, said the alleged assassination attempt is an attack on democracy.
"The assassination attempt on former President Trump is an attack on democracy," Hutchinson said. "My prayers are with President Trump and others impacted. I am grateful for all the first responders investigating this act of terror."
Attorney General Tim Griffin called the ordeal "horrifying."
"The attack against President Trump in Pennsylvania is horrifying," Griffin said. "Please join me in praying for President Trump, the Secret Service agents, and the bystanders at the rally. There is never a place for political violence in our nation. Let’s all pray for our nation at this hour."
Several lawmakers followed suit by extending prayers to Trump, those in attendance, and the country.
"Please join Anna and me in praying for President Trump, his agents, and all his supporters at the rally in Butler."
"Please join me in praying for President Trump as well as those in attendance at today’s rally and our entire country."
"My prayers continue to be with President Trump and the innocent Americans who were exercising their Constitutional rights and caught in this heartbreaking act of violence. I’m grateful for the swift response of the Secret Service. There is no place for political violence in this country."
Additionally, Congressman Womack said he does have concerns about more political violence ahead of the November election, "I just think there's way too much hate in the country right now. People have very strong opinions about a lot of things. Some of them are social issues. Some are economic issues. Some are related to foreign aid."
"We all have our differences of opinion, but it's never acceptable for us to resort to violence in order to prove a point. We need to move the country back into a meaningful discussion of the broader issues that affect everyday Americans, and we need to do it in a civil way," said Womack.
"My prayers are with President Trump, his family, and our nation during this time."
"Prayers for former president @realDonaldTrump and thanks to our @SecretService and for his health care providers."
"America is a nation that is made stronger through political discourse, but violence has no place in that discourse. My prayers are for President Trump and all those who were victims of this senseless act," said Westerman.
"Initial reports are that the perpetrator was killed, and I applaud the response of security officials that took him out before there were more casualties. Hopefully, law enforcement will discover any others involved and hold them accountable," said Westerman.
"Terrible reports out of Pennsylvania. Praying for former President Trump and others affected by this absolutely unacceptable violence."
The Republican Party of Arkansas released the following statement:
"Our hearts are heavy with the news of the tragic shooting at the rally in Butler, PA. We ask everyone to join us in prayer for President Donald J. Trump, all the attendees, and the United States Secret Service who rushed to the scene."
The Democratic Party of Arkansas released the following statement:
"The Democratic Party of Arkansas condemns political violence. What happened in Pennsylvania is far too common in communities around our country. Our prayers are with everyone victimized today, including the former President."
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