Local Missouri politicians react to shooting at Trump rally, no changes made to RNC security plan
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Some local politicians in Missouri are reacting after a shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania that officials say is being investigated as an attempted assassination.
The shooting left one person dead, including the shooter and two others critically injured. The FBI identified the suspect as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania early Sunday.
Former President Donald Trump was also grazed in the ear during the shooting, but later confirmed on social media that he was okay.
President Biden also spoke out shortly after the incident, saying he was grateful the former president is safe.
U.S. representative for Missouri's 4th congressional district Mark Alford told ABC 17 News shortly after the shooting that he found the events "disgusting." Alford said he believes Saturday's violence will have an effect on the election moving forward.
"This is despicable that someone would go to a rally and try to kill the president of the United States. I think this is a symptom, though, of what's been going on, this heightened rhetoric that's that's happened all over America," Alford said. "This is going to change though... I do believe the way that Trump does his campaigns. I think this is gonna change the election for everyone whether you're running a state race in Missouri you know we have, we have to be aware of what's going on in America and it is not good as you have seen today."
Governor Mike Parson also posted to his "X" account offering his condolences to Trump, and the victims who attended the rally.
Please join Teresa and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and all victims who were in attendance at the rally in Pennsylvania today. Please pray for our nation.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 13, 2024
Republican Senator Eric Schmitt shared similar sentiments, and thanked the secret service for the role they played.
“I’m praying for President Trump and everyone who was in attendance at the rally, including the family and loved ones of the innocent attendee that was reportedly shot and killed," the statement reads. "It is an absolutely horrific scene in Pennsylvania. Secret Service should be applauded for their quick response and bravery in the face of danger. God bless President Trump and God bless the United States of America.”
Republican Senator Bill Eigel also released a statement, supporting Trump Saturday night.
“Tonight’s assassination attempt is the ultimate culmination of what the left wants: to stop Trump no matter the cost. They can’t beat him at the ballot box; they can’t beat him down with political prosecutions, phony impeachments, or baseless witch hunts," the statement reads...."Our prayers are with President Trump, our country, and the family of the innocent victim who was executed for simply attending a rally. We heard of the news while on the campaign trail this evening and stopped our event to pray for President Trump and our country.”
Democratic Missouri State Representative Chrystal Quade posted on "X" Saturday evening, saying "Violence is never the answer. Praying for President Trump, the United States, and all those affected by today’s senseless shooting."
Violence is never the answer.
— Crystal Quade (@crystal_quade) July 13, 2024
Praying for President Trump, the United States, and all those affected by today’s senseless shooting.
Democratic State Representative David Tyson Smith shared similar sentiments as Quade, noting he doesn't support violence against any political figure.
Violence has absolutely no place in our democracy. I unequivocally condemn any attempt on the life of Donald Trump or any political figure. We must strive for peaceful discourse and unity as we uphold the core values of our democratic society.
— David Tyson Smith (@dts4mo) July 14, 2024
One Columbia resident is calling for unity in the midst of the tension surrounding Saturday's shooting.
"Well, it's really bad because it should never and happened," said John Nelson, "I hope they go push through the Democrats and I hope they push through the Republicans and just bring us all together."
Despite Biden ordering a review of security measures, federal officials in charge of security at the Republican National Convention say they don't plan on making any changes. The RNC is considered a national special security event which means the secret service manages planning, coordinating, and implementing security operations.
In a news briefing the secret service's coordinator for the convention, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino expressed confidence in the security plans saying "we are ready to go.”
Some have raised concern about Wisconsin being an open carry state, but guns will not be allowed through the security area.
The secret service says there are currently no credible threats to the RNC. The FBI says it's also investigating the assassination attempt on the former president.
