Tennessee lawmakers respond to shooting at Trump rally

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- A shooting at former President Donald Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday left at least two people dead, including the suspected gunman, according to officials.

The Secret Service said in a statement that “the former President is safe.”

Posting on his Truth Social media site about two and a half hours after the shooting, Trump said a bullet “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,” he said in the post. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said in a phone interview that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rally attendee was killed. The Secret Service added that two spectators were critically injured.

President Joe Biden held a brief press conference after the shooting, during which time he condemned violence in America. In addition, both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have said they are praying for Trump and his family. 

The chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, Scott Golden, said he’s trying to get over the shock and find rationale in what happened, but he’s proud of how Trump reacted during the shooting. According to Golden, the former president demonstrated courage and leadership in the face of defiance.

“It’s a sad and historic day,” Golden said. “I’m thankful President Trump is okay by all accounts, and we’re praying for the individual who lost his life in the crowd.”

Golden told News 2 it gave him chills to see Trump plunge to the ground during the rally, but the fact that Trump is going to continue his campaign makes a statement.

“For a lot of us Republicans and Trump supporters, it kind of feels like we’ve had one case after another, and now here we are with the next step of an attempted assassination...and so, to see President Trump stand up and say, 'Keep fighting,' that has absolutely encouraged our crowd, so I think what we’re going to see next week is even more excitement for the convention and launching the campaign of Donald Trump than we would've had had the day not happened," Golden explained.

Over the next few weeks, Golden said both political parties will be affected by the aftermath of Trump's Pennsylvania rally.

The following lawmakers from Tennessee have also shared their thoughts and prayers on social media following the incident:

Gov. Bill Lee (R)

Maria and I ask Tennesseans to join us in praying for President Trump and his family, and all who were in attendance at today’s rally in Pennsylvania.

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti (R)

Cowardly violence has no place in US elections. God bless the Secret Service for putting their bodies on the line to protect President Trump. We pray for President Trump's health following the attack, for the safety of both candidates, and for the stability of our republic.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R)

Join me in praying for President Trump and the law enforcement personnel who are tending to him and citizens at the scene.

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R)

My prayers are with President Trump. He is the strongest person I know.

U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R)

Our prayers are with President Trump, and we look forward to his speedy recovery. We are grateful to law enforcement who reacted so quickly. Such violence has no place in our country. Whoever is responsible must be held accountable.

U.S. Rep. John Rose (R)

Let's be grateful that President Trump is now safe. The Secret Service promptly stepped in to protect him. As we learn more, let's pray for the 45th President of the United States.

U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R)

Everyone please pray for President Trump. Pray for God to put his healing hands on him and everyone else who was hurt.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R)

President Trump is an American hero.

Join me in praying for him and the innocent rally attenders in Pennsylvania. This is a dark day in American history.

U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R)

Please join me in praying for President Trump.

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff (R)

Please join Roberta and me in praying for President Donald Trump this evening.

U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R)

First of all, let’s be thankful that reports are President Trump is safe.

Political violence is never acceptable, and the threats made time and again against President Trump over the years have made today’s event feel like a formality.

Let’s all be thankful that this did not turn out to be worse, and Amy and I are grateful that Donald Trump is safe.  As the investigation continues, let’s work to make sure this does not happen again.

U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R)

Please join Brenda and I in prayer for President Trump, his Secret Service team, and all those in attendance at his rally. We pray for his speedy recovery.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D)

Violence has no place in political arena or America. It’s antithetical to our political system. Elections are won or lost at the polls. Thankfully Trump wasn’t killed.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R)

As we wait for more news on @realDonaldTrump, join me in praying for him, his family and all the attendees at today’s rally in Pennsylvania.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R)

Deanna and I are praying for President Trump and all affected by the cowardly violence at today’s rally.

We are grateful for the Secret Secret Service and other first responders for their selfless courage.

House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R)

I #standwithTrump and will fight every single day between now and November 5th to guarantee he will be our President again. Today's leftist attack on our democracy just created millions of patriots. This is way beyond politics now and just became personal.

House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison

The party of “tolerance, equity, and inclusion” is responsible for an attempted assassination on a Presidential candidate. THIS is what’s on the ballot this November. Do you want to live in a world where you may get shot for your beliefs, or one that puts our country first and unifies us?

House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons

Political violence of any kind is never the answer. These are sad times. Thankful to read that the former president is safe and recovering.

House Republican Whip Johnny Garrett

Pray for President Trump and his family. The violent rhetoric directed toward him has no place in our society. Trump has always stood strong and my family stands with him.

We will take this country back and win in November.

State Sen. Paul Bailey (R)

Amy and I are deeply troubled by the heinous act at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania.

We are relieved to hear that @realDonaldTrump is safe, and our thoughts are with him and the injured victims during this time.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the @SecretService and first responders for their prompt and dedicated response.

State Sen. Dawn White (R)

Praying for President @realDonaldTrump.

State Sen. London Lamar (D)

I am deeply troubled by news reports that former President Donald Trump was shot at during a political rally. Violence has no place in our society, and I condemn this act in the strongest possible terms.

Our political discourse has become too charged and divisive. Leaders from every background have a responsibility to condemn violence in any form and focus their actions on healing these divides. This is a call to reflect and recognize our shared humanity. We must stop demonizing one another in words and policies and urgently begin fostering more understanding and civility.

State Sen. Ken Yager (R)

Shocking [assassination] attempt on @realDonaldTrump. Let’s all keep him, his family and our nation in our prayers.

State Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D)

There is and must be no place for political violence in this country, and people of good faith on all sides should come together not just to condemn it, but to build something better. 1/

Today’s shooting was tragic and terrifying. Praying for all who were in attendance, especially those who were injured.

But especially proud of the Secret Service rushing into danger and doing its job to protect the former president. 2/

State Rep. Gloria Johnson (D)

We condemn political violence of any kind, under any circumstances. We thank the Secret Service for their quick action and we hope and pray Former President Trump is not injured.

State Rep. Gino Bulso (R)

Our prayers are with President Trump and his family. Thank God that President Trump was spared on July 13, just as Pope St. John Paul was spared on May 13 through the intersession of Our Lady of Fatima.

State Rep. Scott Cepicky (R)

Praying for President Trump

State Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D)

Political violence has no place in our country. Praying for safety for President Trump and hope he makes a safe recovery.

State Rep. Ronnie Glynn (D)

Violence of any kind is never the answer. I’m grateful for Secret Service and their swift action to protect former President Donald Trump & to hear he is safe.

We must do better.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder

Praying for our country at this moment. Now more than ever, we must untie to stand up against and condemn this type of behavior. Our kids are watching. The world is, too…

Relieved to hear former POTUS Trump is doing ‘fine,’ and hopeful he can bounce back in the near term. Pleased to hear @POTUS is suspending things until then. The healing must begin now.

So sorry to hear about the additional victim in attendance at the rally and hope to God there aren’t more. In awe of Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action, thank God for them, too.

If you’re a praying person, pray for all of those involved. President Trump, the victims and everyone else. And, pray for our country. And a return to normalcy when it comes to political processes and political speech. We are better than this. We must be.