Local politicians share their reaction to the Trump rally shooting
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - More local leaders are sharing their reaction to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Philadelphia over the weekend.
According to sources, the FBI is working to learn more about the 20-year-old suspected shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks was killed by Secret Service snipers following the assassination attempt.
Over the weekend, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls shared his reaction to the shooting while adding that he reached out to the Trump campaign and the Mayor of Butler, Pennsylvania, offering his support.
"It's just a real sad commentary on where we are as a nation...that political dialogue is looking to be replaced with bullets and and shootings," said Mayor Nicholls.
In addition, Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), who represents the 25th Congressional District that includes Imperial Valley, shared this statement with News 11 over the weekend saying:
"I unequivocally condemn violence of any kind. We must restore civility to our democratic process."
Meanwhile, despite their political affiliations, both Arizona State Representative Tim Dunn and Arizona State Senator Brian Fernandez say they were disappointed the shooting happened.
Both men, along with Yuma County Board of Supervisor Tony Reyes, agree that no matter who you are voting for in the election, or whatever political party you claim, violence is not the answer.
"I'm not a Donald Trump supporter, but I don’t think anyone in the political arena should be subjected to violence of any kind, I think that we need to learn to respect each other and respect our different opinions," said Senator Fernandez.
"It's not surprising to think something like this would happen it is surprising to see it actually happen and there is no place for violence in this political discourse," agreed Reyes.
At the same time, Representative Dunn says this is not what America stands for.
"You know what happened, this is not America. This is not the message we want to send to the world, you know. We have political differences and we take those out and debate those issues. We don't resort to violence," said Rep. Dunn.
Representative Dunn shares how despite the attempt, Trump's pose near the end still had a message for the people.
"It shows strength. It shows unity with the Secret Service pulling him off stage, and it shows the patriotism of our country with the flag behind it, and that's what we stand for is strength unity and patriotism," said Rep. Dunn.
Representative Fernandez hopes people in this country learn to listen more and let cooler heads prevail.
