NEWTOWN, Conn. – One person was killed and two others critically injured yesterday in a shocking attack at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania that authorities are investigating as an assassination attempt on the life of former President Donald Trump. At least five shots rang out moments after the former president took the stage, and a bullet struck his right ear. The shooter, who was killed by the Secret Service, is described as a 20-year-old male that fired from an elevated position with an AR-15-style rifle.
In initial reports from this unfolding investigation, two law enforcement officials stated they believe the weapon used by the shooter was purchased by his father at least six months ago. A motive for the attack has not yet been publicly released.
“The horrifying and senseless act of political violence goes against everything we stand for as a nation and affirms the reality that gun violence is a public health epidemic that affects us all. No one should ever live in fear of being shot. Our elected officials, our communities, and our children all deserve to be safe. These tragedies continue to wreak havoc and create trauma for families across the country, regardless of background.” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
“My thoughts are with all the victims and their families, and I wish for a healthy recovery for President Trump and the injured survivors. America should be a country that provides safety for all – at political rallies, schools, places of worship, and in everyday life – so people can live without fear of gun violence. My hope is that we recognize the many common-sense solutions to end this epidemic and unite for them. Now more than ever, we must come together to end this crisis,” Hockley said.
“Gun violence doesn’t care about your political affiliation. It doesn’t care about party lines. It doesn’t care whether you’re a public figurehead or an ordinary person going about your day, whether at the grocery store, ballpark, or a concert. This epidemic touches every single one of our lives and we must come together as a nation to support bipartisan policy solutions that can save lives. We all have the power to create a safer future for our country and our children,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.
Bipartisan and collaborative efforts to prevent gun violence are a central focus of Sandy Hook Promise’s mission to protect schools, homes, and communities. The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) worked closely with the Trump administration to pass the STOP School Violence Act, making an unprecedented federal investment in school violence prevention. Similarly, the SHPAF worked alongside the Biden administration and bipartisan leaders in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years.
As a nation, we must unite to end this epidemic and the continued divisive acts that fuel it. Every American, regardless of politics, deserves a brighter future free from the threat of gun violence and the trauma it creates. By working together toward comprehensive solutions, we can make this happen.
To learn more about how you can take action to end gun violence in your community, visit sandyhookpromise.org.
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Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund advances a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Media Contact:
Nick Dmitrovich | [email protected] | 203-304-9780 Ext. 279