HONOLULU (KHON2) — Local elected officials have weighed in about the apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
A common message — despite party differences — was that violence has no place in politics.
Hawaii’s Democratic governor released the following statement on Saturday, July 13:
“As a nation we can never accept violence in the political arena or any other circumstance. I wish the former president a full recovery and send my condolences to the family of the person who was killed. An event like this can be very traumatic to a person and their family, so our thoughts are with them.”
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green
Hawaii’s Republican Party chair watched coverage of the shooting after she arrived at the Milwaukee airport for the upcoming Republican National Convention.
“To formally make him the Republican nominee,” Tamara McKay said, “And it just was, it’s still surreal kind of trying to swallow, ‘Did this really happen?’ To come back up and with his fist, you know, up in the air was very, not only a, maybe a sigh of relief, but strength and, ‘That didn’t get him down.’ But let’s, let’s also be responsible, not promote any retaliation as well.”
State Rep. Diamond Garcia agreed with his party chair and stressed the historic nature of the event — a clean shot has not been taken at a U.S. president since 1981.
“This was a true assassination attempt. Gunshots were fired, innocent bystanders who were there supporting President Trump, one at least has been confirmed killed. The shooter has been killed, so this was a definite assassination attempt, the likes that we have not seen since President Reagan,” the Hawaii House Minority Floor Leader said.
“What needs to be said clearly is no matter what your beliefs are politically, violence has no place in a free society at all,” Rep. Garcia said.
Several other local elected officials including Hawaii Kai Rep. Gene Ward, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Sen. Brian Schatz and Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case have all released their own statements on the shooting that can be viewed below.
Hawaii’s republican chair said the Republican National Convention will be quite the scene.
“I just got a text saying he will come still to accept his nomination and I can only imagine the roar, the thunder for him to stand strong and still take the stage for his nomination,” McKay said.
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Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said through a statement:
“I am horrified and saddened by the news of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump today. Such acts of violence have no place in our society, and we must stand united against them. My thoughts and prayers are with the former President and his family during this incredibly difficult time. I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the innocent bystander who tragically lost their life in this senseless act. Additionally, my prayers go out for the recovery of the two individuals who were critically injured. In moments like these, it is crucial for us to come together as a community and reject all forms of violence. Let us stand in solidarity, offering support and compassion to those affected by this tragedy, and work tirelessly to ensure such acts do not define our future.”
Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawaii’s second congressional district said through a statement:
“Sending out my deep condolences to those affected by today’s tragic incident, and prayers of recovery and safety to everyone impacted. I spent most of today encouraging civic engagement, telling AANHPI to use their voice and be seen. Our democracy must be grounded in civil discourse, mutual respect, and most of all aloha. These kinds of horrific acts only serve to silence and instill fear, and do not reflect the values of our country. We are better than this, and we must come together to reject all violence.”
Hawaii Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii’s first congressional district said through a statement:
“Our hearts go out to the innocent lost and we pray for President Trump
and the others wounded. Violence must not be the answer. Voters, not guns, must decide
elections.”
Sen. Brian Schatz said on social media:
“This is absolutely horrifying. Political violence is always unacceptable. I am praying for everyone’s safety.”
Hawaii Kai State Rep. Gene Ward said through a statement:
“Americans have the Boston Tea Party in their DNA, but today’s shooting of former President Trump is the extremism that is totally unacceptable, barbaric, and makes me hate my profession when things like this happen. No one from both sides of the aisle should take politics so seriously to turn a rally into a crime scene. Please pray for the former President and our nation.”