West Virginia political leaders are expressing concern after a second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
“Once again, my prayers are with President Trump and his family as they endure what appears to be a second assassination attempt on his life,” Gov. Jim Justice said Sunday night in a statement released by his office.
“This is not just another attack on President Trump, but an assault on everything we stand for as a democracy. We need to stand strong and remain united in the face of these threats,” Governor Justice said.
Trump was unharmed in the incident when a man pointed a rifle into a Florida golf course where the former president was playing. Police have detained a suspect. Trump, the Republican nominee for president, had been golfing at his course in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“I’m thankful that President Trump was not harmed in a second attempted assassination,” Congressman Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., posted on social media. “Heinous acts by deranged actors have no place in our politics. I pray that God continues to watch over President Trump and his family during this contentious time for our country.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation described the event as an “apparent assassination attempt.” It comes two months after an assassination attempt against the former president at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally where Trump was injured.
“We must condemn all political violence and ensure that those responsible for these violent acts face justice. Praying for the safety of President Trump and his family during this time,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Republican nominee for governor, posted on social media.
Trump remains popular in West Virginia, which he won by wide margins in the past two general elections. Trump is at the top of the political figures that West Virginians view most favorably, according to the most recent MetroNews West Virginia Poll. Sixty percent view him favorably and 37% view him unfavorably.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., posted on social media that she is relieved that the former president is safe and unharmed. “I am also grateful for our brave law enforcement that acted quickly on the scene. There is absolutely no place in our country for this type of violence,” Capito said.
Senator Joe Manchin, an independent, also said he is thankful the former president was safe after today’s events. “As Americans, we must denounce all forms of political violence in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for this in our country,” Manchin posted on social media.
West Virginia’s Democratic Party put out a statement saying the violent intent is unacceptable.
“I unequivocally condemn the latest attempted attack on former President Donald Trump. Violence and assassination are antithetical to the democratic values that define our nation,” said Mike Pushkin, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party and a state delegate.
“In moments like these, it is crucial to remember that political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue, not through acts of hatred or violence. My thoughts are with the former president and his family during this difficult time.”