Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) expressed profound dismay over the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, characterizing it as a somber and troubling day for the nation. In an interview with CNN’s Jack Tapper on “State of the Union,” Fetterman emphasized the shock and gravity of the incident, which occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The assailant, identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired shots at Trump from a nearby rooftop, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including fatalities.
During the tragic events in his home state, Fetterman was attending a vigil for a transgender teenager who had been tragically killed, further underscoring the emotional toll of the day for him personally. Despite the temptation to politicize the violence, Fetterman cautioned against such actions, stating, “This isn’t about an opportunity for politics or strategy… This was an incredibly dark day for Pennsylvania, but for our nation, as well.”
In response to statements from other legislators attempting to connect the shooting to political opposition, such as those from Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Fetterman urged for restraint and a cooling of tensions. “We just have to kind of turn down the temperature on this,” he remarked, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining calm and perspective amidst the heightened political climate.
The Secret Service reported that in addition to the assailant, one spectator at the rally lost their life, and two others sustained critical injuries. Fetterman acknowledged the significance of the upcoming election and the need for collective vigilance and responsibility moving forward. He stressed that the months ahead will be pivotal and cautioned against further escalation of political tensions.
As investigations continue into the motives and circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt, Fetterman’s words reflect a call for unity and reflection, urging the nation to come together in the face of such violence and tragedy.