South Carolina leaders offer prayer, support for Donald Trump after apparent shooting at Pennsylvania rally

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – South Carolina’s top political leaders reacted Saturday evening to an incident that involved gunshots at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania.

The former president was speaking on issues at the southern border when loud pops started ringing through the crowd. 

Trump could be seen reaching with his right hand toward his neck and blood appeared to be blood on his ear and face.

The Associated Press reported he quickly ducked behind the riser as agents from his protective detail rushed the stage. bangs continued as agents tended to him on stage.

A statement from the former president’s campaign later said he was “fine” and being checked at a medical facility.

“The risks and forces President Trump is willing to face to serve his country are unbounded. He is the face of America’s strength today. Peggy and I join millions of others praying for his safety and security and that of his family and our country,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

“This should horrify every freedom loving American. Violence against presidential candidates must never be normalized.

We are lifting up Donald Trump, the entire Trump family, and all in attendance in prayer,” said Nikki Haley, who ran against the former president in the Republican presidential primary earlier this year.

“Praying for President Trump and everyone at the rally in Pennsylvania. May God watch over them all,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott. Scott, who also ran against Trump in the primary, was thought to be considered as the vice president candidate.

“Thank God President Trump seems to be okay. Just another reminder of the times in which we live. We need to pray fervently for anyone who may have been injured at the rally,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.

“Prayers for President Donald J. Trump and the safety of those at today’s Trump rally,” said U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.

“The appalling act of violence against President Trump in Pennsylvania is truly horrifying and deeply troubling. Our heartfelt prayers are with him and with the family of the victim who lost their life during this tragic event. It is imperative that we unite as a nation to strongly condemn all forms of violence. Regardless of our political differences, we must come together to overcome all forms and acts of hate,” said Charleston Mayor William Cogswell.

Democratic leaders also offered comment and condemnation for the incident.

“I pray that Donald Trump and all who attended the rally are safe. There is no place for political violence, or violence of any kind, against our fellow Americans – and as a Party, we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. First responders and the Secret Service responded swiftly and bravely, and we thank them for their service,” said Jaime Harrison, Democratic Part chair.

“Political violence has no place in America. I’m praying for the safety of all those who attended former President Trump’s rally today,” said Democratic First Congressional District candidate Michael B. Moore.

“The events that unfolded in Pennsylvania today are horrific. There is no room for violence of any kind in this country,” said Congressman James Clyburn.