Georgia leaders speak out following Trump assassination attempt

Leaders across the state are speaking out against political violence after Saturday’s assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

“I’m grateful President Trump is OK, I’m sad for the family of the former fire chief, Corey Comperatore, who was killed, and I hope that the other two victims recover,” said state Rep. Matt Hatchett. “We all need to come together to fight violence in our political system.”

Shots rang out just minutes into the former president’s speech during a campaign event in Pennsylvania. Footage of the event shows Trump reaching for his ear before ducking behind the podium. He emerged moments later, the right side of his face bloodied, protected by Secret Service agents. Comperatore died shielding his family, and two others were seriously wounded. The gunman was killed by law enforcement.     

The assassination attempt is the climax of ever-increasing political divide across the nation heading into a hotly debated presidential election. The shooting had leaders from the Oval Office to governor’s mansions calling for calm.

“This attempt on former President Trump’s life is horrific and contrary to everything our nation stands for. In America, we settle political disagreement peacefully at the ballot box – not through heinous acts of violence,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a post on X. “We must stand together to condemn what happened today, and remind ourselves that regardless of how we vote or what believe, we are all Americans.”

In his own post, US Sen. Raphael Warnock said: “In America, we settle our political differences democratically – not violently. I am deeply saddened by today’s events in Pennsylvania. I condemn any violence aimed at former President Trump in the strongest terms, and pray for him, his family and our nation. We are better than this.” 

In a newsletter to constituents, US Rep. Rick Allen called for prayer and thanked law enforcement.

“Please join me and Robin (Allen’s wife) in praying for President Trump and those who were injured or lost their life at yesterday’s event in Pennsylvania,” he said. “We are thankful to the Secret Service and law enforcement officers who acted quickly and decisively in response to this heinous act.” 

Saturday’s shooting was the first attempt on the life of a U.S. President since the 1981 assassination strike against Ronald Reagan. After leaving a speaking engagement in Washington D.C. Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinkley Jr.

Even at the state and local levels, political debate has seemingly sank into arguments and tribalism. Hatchett, who has served in public office more than two decades – 10 with the Dublin City Council and 14 in the Georgia House of Representatives – said he doesn’t remember a more divided time in public office. 

“Over the last five years things have gotten so hostile,” he said. “Social media has added to the angst. It is so easy to vent anger on a keyboard rather than face to face, instead of having a conversation. We have systems in place if you don’t agree with your leaders, it’s called the ballot box.”