BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Sheriff John Garcia said he is "relieved" that former president Donald Trump is safe following an assassination attempt Saturday evening during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa.
"I am relieved that former President Donald J. Trump is safe following yesterday’s assassination attempt. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, the atrocity that occurred at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, is unacceptable, and violence should never be tolerated anywhere in the United States," Garcia said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
The former president was rushed off stage Saturday evening, with blood visible on the side of his head and his ear, after shots were fired just minutes into his western Pennsylvania rally.
The gunman was killed, as was a former fire chief attending the rally with family was killed. Two others were also critically wounded.
Trump said Saturday night in a social media post that the upper part of his right ear was pierced in the shooting. A campaign statement said he was "fine" after the shooting.
"This attempt on former President Donald J. Trump’s life reinforces the critical role law enforcement fulfills in protecting our public. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is very fortunate to have a team of individuals that train regularly in dignitary protection and counter assault," Garcia said.
He added: "We are constantly conducting threat assessment and vulnerability assessment operations in order to stay one step ahead of those who wish to do us harm. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office extends its thoughts, prayers and sympathies to the innocent victims and their families."