‘No place in our country': US Jewish leaders condemn Trump assassination attempt

American Jewish leaders have denounced the attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, suffered minor injuries as a bullet grazed his right ear. One bystander was killed. The would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was shot and killed at the scene.

“I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country,” tweeted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Democratic Governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker tweeted, “Violence is never the answer in our democracy. I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for former President Trump’s recovery. Thankful to the Secret Service for their quick response.”

“Today’s appalling assassination attempt on former president Trump is deeply upsetting and sadly not entirely shocking,” stated Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. “With deep concern, we have been witnessing a gradual descent towards anarchy that has impacted the safety and security of our country, its leaders and its people.”

“We pray for a return to law, order and a peaceful public square,” Hauer added. “We offer sincere prayers for the full recovery of former president Trump and all those harmed by today’s unconscionable attack.”

Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, tweeted, “ZOA and its president Morton Klein wishes president Trump & the other victims of horrific shooting a speedy Refuah Shelaima & our condolences to family of victim murdered. We urge Biden to give requested increased protection to Trump and finally provide protection to RFK, Jr.”

Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, posted, “What a terrible day for our democracy. The former President of the United States was targeted and injured at a campaign rally. One person in the crowd was killed and another was seriously injured. And we are all shocked and traumatized by what happened.

“We must come together to condemn political violence. We are all Americans. Whatever our politics. Thoughts and prayers for former President Trump, the family of the deceased, the injured attendee, and our nation. Deep gratitude for the Secret Service and law enforcement.”

The Anti-Defamation League’s Jonathan Greenblatt said, “There is no room in democracy for political violence, period. What happened today is tragic and should be condemned by all. Our thoughts are with former President Trump and those in attendance.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania wrote, “Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) tweeted, “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with President Trump, his family, the innocent victim’s family, and the two wounded bystanders,” Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel (ROI), told JNS.

“There is no place for violence in the political arena, which includes inflammatory words and public character assassinations,” he said.

“ROI is grateful to the Secret Service and Pennsylvania police that sprang to action to save President Trump’s life, and looks forward to supporting President Trump in his bid for a second term.

“Republicans Overseas wishes President Trump and the other wounded citizens a quick, speedy and complete recovery from the physical and emotional trauma of this event.

“We encourage all Israeli-Americans and their children to register to vote as soon as possible. We are standing by to help all eligible voters.”