West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice released a statement Sunday evening after Secret Service stopped an apparent 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,” Justice said in a statement. “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.”
Meanwhile, the West Virginia Democratic Party also denounced the attempt with Chair Mike Pushkin releasing a statement.
“I unequivocally condemn the latest attempted attack on former President Donald Trump,” Pushkin said. “Violence and assassination are antithetical to the democratic values that define our nation. In moments like these, it is crucial to remember that political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue, not through acts of hatred and violence.”
Sen. Joe Manchin also shared his thoughts in a post on X, formerly twitter, condemning the violence.
“I’m thankful that former President Trump is sage following todays assassination attempt. As Americans, we must denounce all forms of political violence in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for this in our country.”
Sen. Shelley-Moore Capito also shared her thoughts on a post on X.
“Relieved to hear that President Trump is safe and unharmed following this second assassination attempt. I am also grateful for our brave law enforcement that acted quickly on the scene,” the post said. “There is absolutely no place in our country for this type of violence.”
Huntington mayor and Democratic-nominee for governor, Steve Williams, echoed the sentiment about violence in the American political landscape.
“Violence has no place in our political discourse,” Williams said. “Regardless of your political beliefs, we should settle our differences at the ballot box.”
Trump’s Democratic opposition in the race for the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris, also shared her relief that the former president is safe.
“I have been briefed on reports of gunshots fired near former President Trump and his property in Florida, and I am glad he is safe,” Harris said. “Violence has no place in America.”
The statements comes after Secret Services opened fire on an apparent, would-be assailant at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to reports, the agents discovered a person with a weapon, pointing the barrel through the fence of the golf course. Upon firing, the suspect fled the scene in an SUV, leaving behind two backpacks and an AK-47 style rifle.
There were no injuries reported and Trump confirmed his safety in a statement immediately following the incident.
The suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh by the Association Press, was apprehended in a nearby county by local authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently leading the investigation into the incident.
This marks the second attempt on the former president's life this year with an attack previously taking place at a Pennsylvania rally in July.