Tri-State leaders react to assassination attempt against Donald Trump at Pennsylvania rally

BUTLER, Pa. — Leaders and representatives in Ohio are reacting after an attempted assassination against Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt.

One attendee and the suspected shooter were killed, Butler County (Penn.) District Attorney Richard Goldinger said.

The former president was rushed from the stage after multiple pops could be heard. Trump said he was shot in the ear.

He was rushed off stage by Secret Service, and his motorcade left the venue.

A spokesperson said Trump is "fine" and was checked out at a medical facility.

Multiple local and statewide officials have issued statements after the shooting.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, a front runner as Trump's running mate in the 2024 election, posted on X (formerly Twitter) asking people to pray for Trump.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval wrote on social media that "there is never a justification for political violence."

"Wishing Former President Trump a speedy recovery in the wake of this devastating moment," Pureval wrote.

Alex Triantafilou, the chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, told WCPO 9 that he learned about the incident while in Milwaukee ahead of the Republican National Convention.

"Our message is one of resolve," Triantfilou said. "We are prepared to do everything we can now more than ever to elect this man. They have thrown every single obstacle that's been thrown at any political candidate in my lifetime."

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he and his wife were praying for the health and safety of Trump.

"Violence is never the answer," Beshear wrote. "Never."

Brad Wenstrup, the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 2nd District, also asked for people to pray for Trump.

Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that "violence is never, ever the answer."

"Let's pray that everyone is okay. No matter what we learn, we'll only get through this together," he wrote.

Orlando Sonza, the executive director for the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission and candidate for Ohio's 1st Congressional District, told WCPO that he and his wife are praying for Trump and all victims involved in the shooting.

"President Trump has proven he will fight for our nation and I know he will be back as strong as ever," he said.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said he and his wife are "relieved" that Trump is safe.

On Sunday, Brown called for a "comprehensive investigation" into the assassination attempt.

"We must get to the bottom of this so it never happens again," Brown wrote on social media.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also issued a statement on social media.