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By J. Holly McCall

Tennessee Lookout

Following the attempted shooting of former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday evening, Tennessee lawmakers from both parties weighed in with responses.

Secret Service agents surrounded Trump, who was seen bleeding, and wrestled him off the podium to safety. One rally-goer was killed by a bullet; the shooter was killed by Secret Service.

Republicans were quick to condemn the violence and to accuse the Democratic Party and Democrats of being responsible for it. Many posted a photo taken of Trump after the shooting, pumping his fist toward the crowd.

“There is no way some liberal idiot with a gun will stop @realDonaldTrump,” House Majority Leader William Lamberth, a Portland Republican, posted on X. “Our prayers are with you Mr. President.”

House Republican Caucus Leader Jeremy Faison, Republican of Cosby, posted “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?”

Several Democratic lawmakers suggested loose gun laws were partly to blame for the incident.

“Now that Trump has stated he’s fine … I wonder will he consider sensible gun laws? Gun violence is too rampant in our country and I hope this situation changes the minds of his followers and Republican lawmakers,” wrote Memphis Democratic Sen. London Lamar.

Lamar later said in a statement, “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.”

“I hope this is not a staged act. But …,” Rep. Antonio Parkinson, a Memphis Democrat, posted on social media, adding an emoji with rolling eyes to his post.

Parkinson went on to add, “Politics aside am glad that the former president is doing ok. My heart goes out to the families of the victims of today’s violence. We have to do better as a nation and I truly believe we can do better.”

“Regardless of what side of the isle (sic) you’re on, all acts of violence and those perpetrating them should be denounced emphatically,” wrote Parkinson. “Unfortunately, we live in a sad reality that America has become so divided that someone would resort to such a violent act. But are we really surprised? There is absolutely nothing good that can come out of this.”

Other lawmakers made statements as well:

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Republican: “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: “My prayers are with President Trump. He is the strongest person I know.

Gov. Bill Lee: “Maria & I ask Tennesseans to join us in praying for President Trump & his family, & all who were in attendance at today’s rally in Pennsylvania.”

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally: “I am deeply grateful President Trump survived the attempt on his life today. Political violence is abhorrent whenever and wherever it occurs — but especially here at home.”

House Democratic Caucus Leader John Ray Clemmons, Nashville: Political violence of any kind is never the answer. These are sad times. Thankful to read that the former president is safe and recovering.

Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville: “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 and others are not injured.”

U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump, by the grace of God, has survived this vile attempt on his life. He is truly a once in a generation leader and I will continue to pray, knowing that God will be watching out for him always. As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’”

 

Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. Follow Tennessee Lookout on Facebook and X.