Trump rally shooting: Texas leaders react to Pennsylvania assassination attempt

Texas leaders reacted to the chaotic incident at a Butler, Pennsylvania campaign rally where former president Donald Trump was escorted off-stage after an assassination attempt.

Trump grabbed the right side of his head and blood was seen on the former president's face as he was escorted away.

READ MORE: Live coverage: Trump injured but 'fine' during shooting at Pennsylvania rally

Trump is reported to be "fine" and was released from a hospital.

The Secret Service says one rally attendee and the shooter were killed.

Two other rally attendees were critically injured.

Governor Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X shortly after the incident calling the former president "indomitable."

"They tried to jail him. They tried to kill him. It will not work. He is indomitable," said the Texas governor.

He later posted a photo of Trump with the caption "Red, White and Blue, LEGEND."

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz posted a photo of Trump with his fist up after the shooting.

"Extraordinary," the senator said. "God bless President Trump."

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller

Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller was in Butler, Pennsylvania with the former president during the shooting.

"I am shocked, but thankful that he had survived today's assassination attempt," said Miller. "We pray for the President and any other potential victims of the evil that has unfolded before our eyes."

Rep. Ronny Jackson

Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Amarillo) says his nephew was injured during the shooting in Pennsylvania.

Jackson said his family was sitting near the front of the crowd.

After the shots were fired Jackson says his nephew realized he had blood on his neck.

"Please join my family and me in praying for all who were injured and the life lost. The President and the survivors are lucky to be alive," Jackson said.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

U.S. Senator John Cornyn said he is sending prayers to the former president and thanked the Secret Service for their quick actions.

"Whoever is responsible must face swift justice. May we all pray for our country tonight," Cornyn said.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close political ally and friend of Donald Trump, also posted his reaction. 

"The world is evil," Paxton said. "Praise God that President Trump was able to walk away on his own. Praying for complete healing and that this person is captured immediately."

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called for everyone to pray for former President Trump and the country.

Patrick said he texted the former president that he believes God was protecting him.

"By the slightest turn of your head in a mere microsecond or the shield of a teleprompter, your life was spared by the Grace of a Merciful and Holy God. I shared with you not long ago, on our flight to Houston, that God has had his hand on you since you first ran for President. That I believe. No man could survive all you have been through without the Grace of God upon you," said Patrick.

Rep. Michael McCaul

Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Austin) called for people to pray for Trump, his Secret Service and the people at his rally.

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan called the situation "horrible and scary" and said he is praying for President Trump and those at the rally.

Rep. Roger Williams 

Congressman Roger Williams (R-Arlington) posted on social media that "there is no place for political violence in our country."

"I am thankful to hear that President Trump is safe. I am continuing to pray for him and America," said Williams.

Williams later thanked the law enforcement officers who responded to the incident.

Rep. Chip Roy

U.S. Congressman Chip Roy (R-Austin) commented on the former president's reaction to the shooting. 

"President Trump made his protectors stop. He then took the moment to stand right back up. In that moment of courage & clarity - he spoke for all of America," wrote Roy.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

Dallas mayor Eric Johnson, who shared today that he will be speaking at the Republican National Convention, said that he is relieved to hear the former president is okay.

"This heinous and despicable violence has no place in our nation," Johnson said.

George W. Bush

Former president George W. Bush released a statement shortly after the shooting.

"Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response," wrote Bush.

Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George

Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George said in a statement that the "assassination attempt clearly tells the American people what we are up against."

"Texas is standing strong with President Trump. Keeping him in our prayers," George continued.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez

State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) pointed the issue back to guns.

"Guns have no place at political rallies. Or in elementary schools. Or churches. Or grocery stores. It's time to stop this madness America," said Gutierrez.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she is "relieved" to hear that the former president is safe.

"Political violence is never acceptable, and we must stand united in condemning it," Hidalgo said.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire

Houston Mayor John Whitmire called the shooting "unacceptable" in a statement.

"I ask Houstonians to come together to condemn the violence and pray for the person who was shot and killed. Our hearts go out to the victim and their family during this difficult time," Whitmire wrote.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) said he "strongly condemns all acts of violence."

"Violence begets violence, whether directed at Trump or inspired by him," said Doggett. "In America, we must make our voices heard by ballots, not bullets."

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