South Carolina leaders react as Donald Trump is rushed off rally stage in Pennsylvania (2024)

Secret Service agents rushed former President Donald Trump from the stage after gunshots were fired at him during a rally in Butler, Pa. Trump was seen with blood on his ear.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told reporters that the shooter is dead, according to USA TODAY. One rally attendee was also killed, with another in critical condition.

"President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow," Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said in a statement.

The shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination.

Before the former president headed to his motorcade, he raised his fist to the crowd's cheers.

Several South Carolinian politicians released statements following the incident. Here's what they're saying.

Sen. Tim Scott

"Please join me in praying for President Donald J. Trump and the safety of those at the Trump rally," Scott posted to Twitter, formerly known as X.

Sen. Lindsey Graham

"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," Graham posted to X.

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace

Nancy Mace (R-SC 1st District) posted a Bible verse to X. "2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. Prayers for President Donald J. Trump and the safety of those at today’s Trump rally."

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson

"My thoughts and prayers are with President Trump right now. Violence is never acceptable," Joe Wilson (R-SC 2nd District) posted to X.

Former SC Gov. Nikki Haley

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," Nikki Haley, a former GOP presidential candidate in 2024, said to X.

Michael B. Moore, Democrat, Congressional candidate

Michael B. Moore, a Democrat running against Nancy Mace for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, said on X "Political violence has no place in America. I'm praying for the safety of all those who attended former President Trump's rally today."

U.S. Rep. William Timmons

William Timmons (R-SC 4th District) posted to X: "President Trump has my prayers and support. The American dream is on life support because of Joe Biden’s handlers’ terrible policies. Trump is the only person that can bring the American dream back to life. We need him now more than ever."

SC Gov. Henry McMaster

Republican Gov. Henry McMaster wrote on X that "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."

DNC chair Jamie Harrison

Jamie Harrison, Democrat National Committee chair and South Carolina resident said on X he was hoping rally attendees and Trump were safe. "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."

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a lone Democrat in the state's Washington delegate representing the state's 6th Congressional district, wrote on X that "The events that unfolded in Pennsylvania today are horrific. There is no room for violence of any kind in this country."

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC 3rd District) called for Americans to "lift up President Trump, his family and our nation in prayer."

“As reports come in, I’m thankful for the Secret Service jumping into action to protect President Trump and untold citizens. Per reports, an attendee was murdered by the shooter, and we must keep their family in our thoughts and prayers. Let me be clear, the violent rhetoric in American politics must end now! We can vigorously debate policies, but violence should never be allowed," Duncan said.

Savannah Moss covers politics for the Greenville News. Reach her at smoss@gannett.com or follow her on X @Savmoss.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina leaders react as Donald Trump is rushed off rally stage