Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is joining other politicians in calling for a lower political temperature in the wake of the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. "This is a moment where all leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity," Shapiro said in Butler, were the assassination attempt happened. President Joe Biden also condemned the attack, calling it "sick" and saying political violence has no place in America.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman says he's glad former President Trump is okay following an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania yesterday. Speaking to CNN's "State of the Union," Fetterman called the incident "shocking." "This was an incredibly dark day for Pennsylvania and for our nation too. I can't believe we're actually in that place," Fetterman said. The Democrat said he didn't want to use the incident to make a political statement, simply condemning the violence and expressing condolences for the attendee killed and the two critically injured. The senator voiced concerns that similar types of political violence could happen again during this election cycle, calling this year's election the biggest in his lifetime.
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania joined a chorus of lawmakers saying the Trump assassination attempt underscored how politicians need to turn down the temperature in their rhetoric. “We thank God this wasn't worse, but it was horrific that this happened in our commonwealth,” he said on CNN. “I think it's time for all of us in both parties, every elected official in the country, should categorically condemn all political violence, whether it's a shooting or otherwise.”
Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry wants answers on what led up to shots being fired at former President Donald Trump this past weekend. The Republican from Dillsburg told Newsmax yesterday that there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. The U.S. Secret Service is facing intense scrutiny following the assassination attempt on Trump, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle asking how a sniper was able to get on a rooftop about 400 feet from the stage. Perry said yesterday was for reflecting on what happened, but today it's time to get down to business.
Bethel Park residents are now back in their homes as the investigation into Thomas Crooks continues. Officials have identified the 20-year-old Milford Drive resident as the man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump at his rally in Butler on Saturday. Some neighbors had been evacuated as the FBI searched the one-story residence Crooks shared with his parents. Authorities reported finding explosive devices at the house and in Crooks' vehicle. Milford Drive remains closed to anyone who does not live on the street.
A New Kensington man is one of the people who was seriously injured at the Trump rally on Saturday. 57-year-old David Dutch remains in a medically induced coma after undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds to his liver and chest. He and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, of Moon Township, are now listed in stable condition. Former Buffalo Township Fire Chief Cory Comperatore was killed during the assassination attempt. Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered flags lowered across Pennsylvania in Comperatore's honor.
Donald Trump's campaign is backing an online fundraiser for the victims from the Butler rally on Saturday. The former president's campaign finance director has launched a GoFundMe page dedicated to the three Western Pennsylvania residents who were killed or injured. The effort has drawn big contributions from supporters including Kid Rock, UFC president Dana White, and conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. Over three-and-a-half-million dollars in donations have been collected so far.
The jury in the Senator Bob Menendez corruption trial in New York City enters its second day of deliberations today. Jurors are considering 16 felony counts involving bribery allegations. Federal prosecutors say Senator Menendez, New Jersey's Democratic senior senator, sold his office to help three New Jersey businessmen secure deals with Egypt and Qatar. He chaired the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the time. Menendez is on trial with two of the businessmen. His lawyer claims the hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold bars found in his home had nothing to do with bribery but were gifts. He also blamed the Senator's wife Nadine, who will stand trial later this year.