Trump’s biggest hater finally speaks.
Former Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent Wyoming Republican known for her vocal opposition to Donald Trump, denounced the shooting incident that disrupted a campaign rally where Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania.
During the rally on Saturday, Trump was abruptly escorted off stage after gunshots rang out, leading to chaos and confusion among attendees. The former president, appearing shaken, briefly fell to the ground and was swiftly shielded by armed security personnel. Initial reports indicated that the shooter was deceased and unfortunately, a rally attendee had lost their life.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, reassured the public that the former president was unharmed and receiving medical evaluation at a nearby facility. “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift response during this tragic event,” Cheung stated in an email to Newsweek.
In response to the incident, Liz Cheney took to social media to express her dismay and extend prayers for those affected. “Reports of the shooting in Pennsylvania are deeply troubling. Violence has no place in American politics. We commend the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid action and pray for the safety of the former president and all others involved,” Cheney wrote.
The Secret Service promptly launched an investigation into the shooting, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their inquiry as they worked to secure the area and gather more information.
Donald Trump, who has frequently clashed with Cheney over her opposition to his post-election actions, had previously criticized her role in the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. Despite Cheney’s previous voting record in alignment with Trump’s policies, her vocal criticism led to her removal from House Republican leadership in 2021 and a subsequent primary defeat in 2022.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania condemned the violence, asserting that political violence targeting any party or leader is intolerable and reaffirming the state’s commitment to assisting with law enforcement efforts in response to the incident.
The White House acknowledged receiving an initial briefing on the situation and emphasized ongoing monitoring of developments related to the incident at Trump’s rally.