Image via Pixabay.

An apparent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump shook the political world from Butler County, Pennsylvania to Sarasota. Elected officials in the region responded differently to the political violence, that also left a rally attendee dead, two critically injured and the shooter killed by Secret Service.

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, pointedly attributed the violence to the political left. “They tried to jail him and now they’ve tried to kill him,” Steube posted on X on Saturday. “This is a sad, sad day for our country. Praying for President Trump, his family, and everyone in Pennsylvania affected by today’s senseless violence. Evil will not win, this is America.”

Notably, authorities later identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican whose only political history was a $15 donation to a liberal political committee the day of President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Little else is known of the shooter at this time.

State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, was in Milwaukee preparing for the Republican National Convention this week. He has been active in Trump’s campaign.

“God shielded and protected President Trump at the rally from the assassination attempt.  Political violence is never the answer,” Gruters told SRQ. “I am looking forward to seeing the full investigation on what happened at the rally. President Trump is a true warrior and has given up fame and fortune to save our country and I am even more committed to doing whatever it takes to help him win back the White House. America and the world needs his leadership now more than ever.”

Democratic leaders in the region addressed the news soberly.

“I am glad Mr. Trump was not seriously injured,” said Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert. “I am so sorry for those killed and seriously injured and my thoughts are for their families. It is an unfortunate incident that should not be happening in our country. My hope is that it doesn't happen again.”

Jack Brill, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota, immediately after the incident released a statement encouraging national unity,

“The Republican Party of Sarasota County encourages all Americans to pray for President Trump, his full and speedy recovery, and his safety going forward,” Brill said. “And pray for the loved ones of the attendee at the rally who was killed. This is a terrible day for America. But in this time of so much vitriol and hatred, we also ask Americans to pray for calm and peace in our nation.”

Sarasota Democratic Party Chair Daniel Kuether, for his part, referred to a statement from the Florida Democratic Party denouncing violence: “There is no place for political violence in this country — period. The Florida Democratic Party unequivocally condemns today’s violence and thanks the Secret Service, law enforcement and first responders for their swift response.”

Most politicians tread carefully in addressing the news. State Rep. James Buchanan, R-Venice, said he was “praying for President Trump and our country.”

State Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, discussed her complicated emotions on what comes next.

“At church this morning I just keep thinking how we must pray for our enemies,” she said Sunday, “and how after (Ronald) Reagan was shot he prayed for the soul of his shooter as he lay in the hospital. So I’ll strive to live up to that example and pray for this young 20 year-old person and anyone else like him who feel their voice is so powerless and the consequences so dire that their only choice is such a violent, final act.”

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, posted a photograph of Trump raising his fist after the shooting. “Praying for President Trump, his family and our brave Secret Service officers on site at this horrific incident,” he posted on social media.

Image via Pixabay.