Wyoming’s political leaders have issued the following statements in response to Saturday’s failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The attempt occurred on July 13 while Trump was speaking at a campaign rally. He was escorted off the stage, with his fist pumped in the air, after being hit in the upper right ear by a bullet. A person attending the rally, identified as Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief from Pennsylvania, was hit and killed by the gunfire while shielding his family from the bullets. Two other spectators were critically injured.
The shooter has been identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, which is about 50 miles from the scene of the shooting. He was shot and killed by a U.S. Secret Service gunmen. The act is now being investigated by the FBI as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
On Sunday, U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) said “It is a somber day following the assassination attempt on President Trump last night. This is a senseless act of political violence and should be condemned by all. The House of Representatives will fully investigate this tragic event – I will keep you informed throughout the entire process. Please join me in continuing to pray for our nation, President Trump, the injured rally goers, and their families.”
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) released the following statement on Saturday following the shooting. ““Today, the nation witnessed a horrifying assassination attempt on President Trump. America is grateful for the quick action of the Secret Service and local law enforcement. I’m praying for the victims and their families. Donald Trump is a warrior and will not be intimidated by this cowardly attack.”
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released a statement saying “I am horrified by the attempted assassination that took place at today’s Trump rally. I am relieved President Trump’s injuries are minor, but my heart breaks for the person who was killed and those who were injured. I am eternally grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement who acted quickly to neutralize the suspect and prevent greater tragedy. Political violence has no place in this county.”
In addition, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon released the following statement on Saturday afternoon. “President Trump, his family and the families of the victims of today’s shooting are in our prayers. We are thankful for the professional and quick response of the Secret Service. This is truly a sad day for our Republic, and should serve as a wake-up call for all Americans to express disagreement without resorting to violence.”
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, said the upper part of his right ear was pierced by a bullet. His aides said he was in “great spirits” and doing well, and he headed to Milwaukee to the Republican National Convention that begins Monday.
“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 wrote on his social media site. “Much bleeding took place.”
In a subsequent social post Sunday, Trump said: “In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”
