Hawaiʻi government leaders offer statements in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a Pennsylvania rally

Hawaiʻi government leaders have issued statements following a shooting that injured former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania today. Law enforcement from the FBI, state police and other municipal officers spoke at a press conference on Saturday evening, calling the incident an assassination attempt.

Video footage from the incident shows the former president touching his ear and quickly ducking below the podium. When he reemerged, blood could be seen along his right ear. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear. He extended his condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed.

Law enforcement reports that one person was fatally injured and described the victim of the shooter as an adult male. Aside from Trump’s injury, two other adult men were critically injured in the incident according to initial reports from law enforcement. Authorities say the shooter, who was positioned atop a roof near the rally, was killed.

“President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act. He is fine and is being checked out at a local medical facility. More details will follow,” said Steven Cheung, a spokesperson with the Trump Campaign in an email update to supporters.

US Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) today released the following statement in the aftermath of the rally saying: “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,” said Case.

US Rep. Jill Tokuda also released a statement on the incident saying: “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.”

During an evening press conference, the FBI was not yet prepared to identify the suspect or a motive. State police say their full support and assets of the agency are behind the FBI and other municipal officers.

Updated FBI statement on the ongoing incident that took place today in Butler, Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/zWr5ZqyJBI

— FBI Pittsburgh (@FBIPittsburgh) July 14, 2024