Arizona Lawmakers and Pols Decry Trump Assassination Attempt

A symphony of Arizona lawmakers and political heavyweights joined the growing voices calling to lower the rhetorical temperature in the wake of the near assassination of ex-President and candidate Donald Trump. Perusing X and other outlets shows an unprecedented level of shared concern over the growing negativity, and despite a few rare expressions of hot tempers, the message is one that bodes well for the rest of the political season: political violence is never acceptable.

AZ State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD14) and national committeeman-elect to the Republican National Committee for Arizona criticized news outlets and Democrats for their reaction to the shooting at Trump’s rally. He released a statement, saying, “They tried to kill President Trump, and they successfully killed a Trump supporter today.  Within mere minutes, assassination deniers on the Left, including the Democrat mouthpieces at CNN, The Washington Post and USA Today, all immediately began disseminating misinformation and disinformation about the attempted assassination.”

Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is running for Senate in LD8, stated, “Absolutely horrible. Political violence should never be tolerated. I hope President Trump and everyone at the rally is safe. Grateful Secret Service and law enforcement got the situation under control so quickly.”

Kari Lake, Republican Senate candidate running against Ruben Gallego, asked for prayers for the former president in a post on X. “They will never stop us,”

Republican Rep. Paul Gosar (R-CD9) released a written statement calling the attack a “heinous assassination attempt,” adding that he was praying for Trump. “I am extremely grateful to the brave law enforcement officials protecting President Trump and I thank God he is doing well and will never stop fighting for the American people,” Gosar stated.

“Pray for President Trump,” Rep. Eli Crane (R-CD2) posted on X.

Republican Rep. Andy Biggs (R-CD5) posted on X, writing, “Violence is unacceptable. Law and order must prevail. Mr. President, we stand with you,”

Rep. Greg Stanton (D-CD4) posted that he was praying for Trump and rally attendees, writing that he hopes “the perpetrator of this cowardly act is swiftly apprehended by law enforcement” and noted that “violence of any kind is never acceptable.”

Rep. Juan Ciscomani (D-CD6) and former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) shared similar messages.

Rep. David Schweikert (R-CD1) posted to X that “political violence has no place in America,” adding, “Joyce and I send our prayers to President Trump, his family, and the family of the rally attendee whose life was tragically taken.”

Arizona’s outgoing U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I) stated, “Violence, especially political violence, is completely unacceptable. We must be a model for civil democracy and commit to the values that define us as Americans.”

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, herself a victim of politically motivated violence, was shot in the head at a political rally in 2011. “Political violence is terrifying. I know,” Giffords said. “I’m holding former president Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable — never.”

Giffords’ husband, Senator Mark Kelly (D), echoed her sentiments, saying, “Gabby and I are horrified by the incident in Pennsylvania. No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand. We’re keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts.”

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs called for justice against “the perpetrator of this heinous act.” She added, “Political violence is unacceptable, and has no place in this country. I am glad that former President Trump is safe.”

“Pray for our broken country,” Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Arizona Senator and one-time presidential candidate John McCain, posted to X.

Arizona state Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda, one of the few voices making this a political statement, reacted by taking a swipe at President Joe Biden’s cognitive ability.

“Biden is dodging cognitive tests. President Trump is dodging bullets. Only one is willing to die for the future of America,” Swoboda stated, then adding “I call on all Arizonans to join us in praying for President Trump and those in attendance.”

After taking some heat for her comment, Swoboda walked back the comment, calling for “all Americans – no matter their party – to join us in condemning this atrocity. We thank God that President Trump is safe. We pray not only for him and his family but for the family of the rally attendee who was killed by the shooter and the victims currently receiving medical treatment. We also pray for all the Secret Service and law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect the President and all the attendees. They are heroes and showed it today.” Swoboda finished by adding, “We are both horrified by this violence and angered that our country continues to suffer under this total collapse in leadership. The world is on fire, violence is growing and America has no one steering our course. President Trump is a fighter and America needs him now more than ever,” she continued. “President Trump will never surrender and neither will the American people.”