By Hank Russell
Reactions were strong after Long Island elected officials — both Republicans and Democrats — learned of the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.
According to news reports, on July 13, Trump was at a campaign stop in Butler, Pennsylvania when gunshots went off. One of the shots hit Trump on his right ear. As Secret Service agents moved him off the stage, Trump raised his fist in the air. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed. Three rally attendees were shot, with one dead and two injured.
Congressman Anthony D-Esposito (R-Garden City), a former New York City police officer, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Praying for President Trump and all supporters in Pennsylvania. Grateful for my law enforcement brothers and sisters who ran towards danger.”
Bruce Blakeman, who calls Trump “my friend” and referred to him as “hopefully our next president,” also offered his prayers for “a speedy recovery.”
“President Trump is the most resilient person I’ve ever met,” Blakeman continued. “He will recover and come back stronger than ever. God bless Donald J. Trump.”
“I’m glad to hear that President Trump is reported safe following this horrendous act of political violence,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue). “Praying for him and those in the crowd [on July 13] and I thank secret service for their quick response to the attack.”
Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) added, “We all pray that former President Trump is ok, as are his supporters.”
Suozzi, as well as U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, denounced the “political violence” perpetrated on Trump. “Violence, including political violence, is un-American and unacceptable.”
Schumer said he was “horrified” by what happened, adding. “Political violence has no place in our country.”
“Political violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in American democracy,” Gillibrand added. “I’m grateful to law enforcement for their swift response.”
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Let me be clear: violence in our politics is abhorrent and we thoroughly, thoroughly condemn it. It was a disgusting, cowardly act and it does not represent the values of our country… Our democracy was built on a foundation of vigorous debate and the peaceful transfer of power. We should aspire to be a people of words, not bullets.”
Calling the incident “absolutely horrific,” New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) stated on social media, “Political violence is un-American and never, ever ok. I’m glad the President is doing well.”
New York State Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) reposted a statement from the Trump campaign which said that the former president is doing well and has made plans to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“Prayers for President Trump and the safety of all attending the rally in Pennsylvania,” Ra posted on X. “God bless the brave Secret Service and law enforcement officers who immediately surrounded him and got him to safety.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) issued separate statements about the shooting.
“Hatred and acts of violence toward an elected official or candidate for office, regardless of political affiliation have no place in this country,” Romaine stated. “As Americans, we stand united on the principles that make our country strong. While there are no reported threats in Suffolk County at this time, my office will continue to monitor the situation.”
“Violence has no place in our political process, whether in our capitols or on the campaign trail,” McCaffrey added. “We are thankful that former President Trump was not seriously harmed and we send our prayers to the loved ones of the rally spectators who were apparent victims of this callous assassination attempt. Kudos for the bravery and quick response of the Secret Service and members of law enforcement.”