Local leaders weigh in on attempted assassination
Published 3:54 pm Monday, July 15, 2024
- (Brandon Mowinkel/Unsplash)
Two days after the attempted assassination of former Pres. Donald Trump, that left a retired firefighter dead and two others critically injured, local politicians and government officials called for prayers and a stand against violence.
“What an incredibly sad day for our country,” said Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill on her social media sites. “Regardless of what political party you support, this is not acceptable in a civilized, democratic society … The violence and hatred have to end. God, please bless and heal America.”
The FBI announced the shooting is being investigated as an attempted assassination and that there is an open investigation into the shooter’s motive. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was killed after he opened fire.
Retired firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed, and James Copenhaver and David Dutch were injured during the shooting.
Mississippi Sen. Nichole Boyd, who represents Oxford, told the Eagle on Monday that she was in prayer for President Trump, the families of those who were killed and injured.
“And for our nation,” she said. “This kind of senseless violence is never acceptable and has no place in our country. It is crucial that our nation re-engage in civil dialogue and discourse.”
Rep. Josh Hawkins asked everyone to pray for all of those involved Saturday.
“Especially the people that lost loved ones, and for a speedy recovery for President Trump,” he told the Eagle Monday. “I pray for the safety of President Trump and his family, as well as the other political candidates and their families, during this election process. There is no place for violent actions such as this in American politics. May God continue to bless the United States of America.”
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also posted a request for prayers after the shooting on his social media sites.
“Pray for President Donald Trump! Pray for the Trump family! Pray for the attendees at the rally! And please…Pray for America! God’s protection and grace, along with the vigilance of patriots, is the only shield against evil,” he wrote.
Lafayette County Supervisor John Morgan called the shooting a “terribly sad event” for America after the Board’s meeting on Monday.
“Hopefully the country can unite and not have so much rhetoric,” Morgan said.