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Area elected officials and leaders of the local Democratic and Republican party committees took some time early this week to share their reactions to the assassination attempt that took place against former President Donald Trump on Saturday, July 13, at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Franklin City Democratic Committee Chairman Ricky Sykes said, “The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is a tragic moment in our nation’s history that affects us all, regardless of party affiliation.”

Franklin/Southampton Republican Committee Chairman Mark Kitchen said, “The assassination attempt of President Trump was the culmination of months and even years of name-calling, threats and verbal assaults. Too often, verbal assaults lead to violent attacks. It seems there’s a double standard as far as ‘groups’ in our government. We’ll never come together as ‘one’ as long as we feed into this mindset.

“Even though I personally don’t see a ‘conspiracy’ involved in the Pennsylvania shooting, I feel that it was another extremist wanting notoriety,” he continued, noting other examples like Arthur Bremer, James Earl Ray and more. “Unfortunately, others were killed and injured during the attempt to assassinate Trump.”

Kitchen noted that pleas for peace and unity have come quickly in the wake of the shooting.

“Are they sincere?” he said. “Let’s hope and pray they are, and not just another opportunity to garner support and votes.

“The time for joining hands in peace is upon us,” he continued. “It could be our final chance. Together, we can stop the hatred and violence that we’ve become all too accustomed to in our everyday lives.”

He said the next president should speak about what they can accomplish, now about how their opponent has failed. 

Kitchen said the Franklin/Southampton Republican Committee praises the work of all law enforcement involved at the state, local and federal levels.

“Let’s hope law enforcement isn’t the scapegoat it all too often finds itself (being),” he said, later adding, “The brave men and women protecting all of us should be commended.

“It’s all very clear: Pray for us as citizens of this great nation,” he said. “Let God take control. Stop the name-calling. Stop the finger-pointing. Stop the violence. God save us.”

Franklin Vice Mayor Wynndolyn H. Copeland responded to the assassination attempt by stating, “Our country is plagued with mental illness and gun violence. Violence should never be a response to the democratic process.”

Southampton County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dr. Alan W. Edwards said, “The Lord was with Donald Trump and our USA on that stage Saturday.”

Trump was struck in the right ear by a bullet.

Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman William Hart Gillette expressed disappointment with the performance of the U.S. Secret Service in securing Trump and the site where Trump’s Pennsylvania rally took place. Gillette expressed the view that the talent level of agents was not properly emphasized in the hiring process.

“(Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) hiring practices were on full display with the Secret Service,” he said.

Windsor Mayor George Stubbs said, “First, I send my regrets that such an act happened at the rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pa.

“I send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Corey Comperatore, who lost his life protecting his family,” Stubbs continued. “I also send prayers for the individuals that were critically wounded.

“I must say, I have deepest sympathies for the family of the young man who carried out this hideous act,” Stubbs added. “An act of this type, to be carried out in this country, should be an eye-opener for everyone. This act occurred in Butler, Pa. It shows no matter where we are, we should always remain vigilant.”