West Virginia Republicans and Democrats alike have condemned political violence following a second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
About two months after a gunman attempted to assassinate the former president during a rally in Butler, Pa., Secret Service agents averted an alleged attempt on Trump's life at one of his golf course in Florida on Sunday.
“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," said Gov. Jim Justice. "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.”
While he stressed "details continue to unfold," West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Matt Herridge blamed the "villainization" of the GOP presidental nominee.
"This, the second such incident in a matter of weeks, must stop; the continual lies and villainization of President Trump certainly play a role in this behavior, and that must end, too," he said. "In America, we go to the polls to settle policy and ideological disagreements. That is healthy. That is normal. What we've now experienced twice since July is unacceptable, and we should all do our part to lower the temperature and pray this type of senseless violence ceases to continue."
State Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawaha, chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, said he "unequivocally condemn the latest attempted attack on former President Donald Trump."
"Violence and assassination are antithetical to the democratic values that define our nation," he said. "In moments like these, it is crucial to remember that political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue, not through acts of hatred or violence. My thoughts are with the former president and his family during this difficult time."
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., in a social media post, said she was "relieved to hear" the former president was unharmed.
"I am also grateful for our brave law enforcement that acted quickly on the scene," she said. "There is absolutely no place in our country for this type of violence."
"I’m thankful that former President Trump is safe following today’s assassination attempt," said Sen. Joe Manchin on social media. "As Americans, we must denounce all forms of political violence in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for this in our country."