As the Republican National Convention kicks off Monday in Milwaukee, North Carolina lawmakers are sharing their reactions on the social media platform X after an assassination attempt during former President Donald Trump's campaign rally Pennsylvania.
Trump says he was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear in a post on Truth Social. His campaign says he is OK.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20 -- the suspected gunman -- and a fire chief attending the rally with his family are dead, according to a local prosecutor. Another person was injured too.
Butler, where the Trump rally shooting occurred, is about 33 miles north of the city of Pittsburgh.
Nearly 2,400 delegates from around the country will come together for the RNC to formally offer Trump the Republican party's presidential nomination. Several North Carolina delegates have made the trip to Wisconsin for the convention, which has significantly heightened security compared to previous years.
The tone has also shifted, North Carolina delegates tell WRAL News. Some are energized and motivated, while others are confident the political rhetoric will calm down moving forward on both sides of the aisle.
"I think you will see our delegates more determined than ever to be there," said Sarah Reidy-Jones, a delegate from Mecklenburg County. "We have a sense of strength and we can’t back down."
Here's a look at how North Carolina lawmakers reacted to the shooting.
Trump rally shooting: North Carolina lawmakers demand accountability, offer prayers
Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper posted to the social media plat X, "Violence has no place in our politics or communities. I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured. - RC."
Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is a candidate for governor, posted a video reaction on X.
"We are watching the tragic events unfold with former President Donald Trump," Robinson said. "We are praying for his speedy recovery and all involved in the incident will be well."
Robinson is running for governor against Democratic challenger and North Carolina Attorney Josh Stein.
Stein posted on X, " I am outraged by what happened tonight at President Trump’s rally. Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in America.
"I pray for his health and am grateful he was able to walk off the stage tonight. I appreciate the secret service and law enforcement for their immediate response.
"I am also praying for our deeply divided country. People should be able to have differing opinions without fear of violence or threats."
Former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory spoke with WRAL News about the shooting.
"It's just bringing back terrible memories of 1963 when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, '68 with [Martin Luther] King [Jr.] and [Robert F.] Kennedy's, and, of course, [Ronald] Reagan's attempted assassination by [John] Hinckley [Jr. in 1981] and some of [the attempts] on [President Gerald ] Ford," McCrory said. "We're so fortunate that American history wasn't changed by an assassin."
U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-North Carolina, posted to X, "Praying for President Trump and everyone at the Pennsylvania rally. Pray for our country."
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, posted to X, "This was a heinous assassination attempt and thank God that President Trump is safe. Keep praying for those who were shot. Violence in our political system can never be tolerated."
U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel, D-North Carolina, posted to X, "This is a dark day for America. I’m praying for the attendees of today’s rally and their families, and wish the former President a swift recovery. I condemn political violence, which has no place in our country."
U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, D-North Carolina, posted to X, "Whoever did this must be held fully accountable. Political violence indelibly stains countries. It must always, always be rejected. Our sincere appreciation to the Secret Service, and may our former president recover quickly and fully."
U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, R-North Carolina, posted to X, "Today is a grave day in American history. While the news is still unfolding, I am deeply shaken by the likely assassination attempt on President Trump on the campaign trail. I’m grateful that he was capable of walking off the stage, and thank law enforcement for their swift action. My prayers are with President Trump, his family, his staff, and for this nation."
Republican North Carolina Speaker of the House Tim Moore posted to X, "My prayers are with President Trump and everyone in attendance at his rally today."
Republican North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger posted to X, "Praying for President Trump and our nation."
Phillip Stevens, GOP Chair for Robeson County, spoke with WRAL News about the shooting. At the time of the shooting, he was checking into his hotel at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. "Things kind of shut down and came to a hault," Stevens said.
