RICHMOND, Va. — Former Virginia Governor and Ambassador Jim Gilmore said the shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday appeared to be "a real assassination attempt."
"All of us who campaign or who live a public life accept the risk that something like this could happen, but this is different from my point of view," Virginia's 68th governor said.
Gilmore said he did not believe what happened was "not just some guy or gal out there with a firearm that loses their heads."
"This looks like a real assassination attempt," Gilmore said. "This is a person from a rooftop with a rifle. This looks a lot more like the Martin Luther King or John F. Kennedy assassinations than it does something spontaneous."
Gilmore said Trump showed "tremendous presence" in the wake of the shooting.
"He wasn't really intimidated or frightened even though he's bleeding from his right ear," Gilmore said. "He was still keeping his eye on the fact that he had to stand up there and stand for something and talk to his to his supporters out there in the field... He was still communicating all the way to his armored vehicle."
WATCH: Witness say he saw shooter at Trump rally: 'When I turned my back, shots started'
Virginia leaders react to shooting at Trump rally
Republican and Democratic leaders are expressing shock following the news that gunfire had broken out during the rally — and relief that the former president had survived the attack.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) said he and the First Lady "are praying for President Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America."
Youngkin released the following statement Sunday"
“Last night, Donald J. Trump showed us strength and courage, and he showed us compassion and gratitude. I thank God for protecting him. My heart breaks for the innocent victims and their families, and I ask every Virginian, and every American, to lift-up in prayer today all of those impacted. I also ask you to pray for our nation. American exceptionalism is not granted; it is earned. This test of our Republic is a moment for us to do just that, earn the mantle of being exceptional. With one voice, we must condemn this evil violence. With one voice, we must declare that America’s future will be forged by the merit of our ideas, the clarity of our calling and the fortitude to stand for what is right. With one voice, we must prove that we are worthy of the generations that fought, that died, that sacrificed so much to build this great country. Yesterday’s attempted assassination of President Trump was an action of pure evil - an afront against our morality, an afront against our liberty, an afront against the very foundations of our great nation. If we ever deem it acceptable, then we will lose our Republic. We fix this through courage, faith, and yes, love. We fix this by repairing our culture. We fix this by defending our beliefs with dignity and fortitude. We fix this by knowing God Almighty blessed this chosen land, and we will defend America against all enemies foreign and domestic. We fix this, together, by being Americans.”
Suzanne and I are praying for President Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America.
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) July 13, 2024
Virginia Senator Mark Warner (D) said he was "monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally."
There is no place for political violence in a democracy. I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) July 13, 2024
I’m deeply concerned by this situation and am praying for President Trump and everyone at today’s event.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) July 13, 2024
My prayers are with the 45th President, and I wish him a swift and complete recovery.
— Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerForVA) July 13, 2024
Thank you to the law enforcement and first responders on the scene for the quick response.
As we learn more, we must be clear that political violence is never acceptable in America.
I’ve seen this type of political violence when I was 8 years old.
— Winsome Earle-Sears (@winwithwinsome) July 13, 2024
This is AMERICA!
As a Christian, we are told to pray for our political leaders.
1 Timothy 2:1-4https://t.co/BxF7MxhjWu
So we pray for the health and strength of President Trump and then he and his family… https://t.co/SJUvj0i8Fk
To be clear, any form of political violence is unacceptable and disgusting. Prayers for protection and healing for the President, any innocent bystanders and for law enforcement to arrest all perpetuators associated with this monstrous attempt on Trump’s life. https://t.co/OQ1t6txhAS
— Jason Miyares (@JasonMiyaresVA) July 13, 2024
House of Delegates joint leadership statement:
We were shocked and alarmed to learn of the violence that took place at the rally today. This is not a reflection of our shared values.
In America, we settle political differences through free and fair elections. There is no place for violence in politics. Every American has the right to gather peacefully and participate in our political system. We are praying for the victims and President Trump and their families.
Republican Party of Virginia statement:
Please join us in praying for President Trump and his family. 🙏🏼
Political violence has no place in our country.
Democratic Party of Virginia statement:
Political violence has no place in our society. I am horrified by today’s shooting but am relieved that Donald Trump says he is not seriously hurt. I wish him a quick recovery and pray for those who were killed and injured at today’s rally, as well as their families.
