North Carolina political leaders reacted to the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump at a rally Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Twenty-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh, was identified as the gunman who fired shots at Trump.  Bethel Park is about an hour away from Butler.

One of those shots pierced the upper part of Trump’s right ear, causing blood to flow down his face.

Almost all of the Tar Heel politicians who spoke about the tragic events took to X, including Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper.

“Violence has no place in our politics or communities,” Cooper said. “I am grateful for the quick response by law enforcement today and hope former President Trump is not seriously injured.”

“We see what’s happening here in America right now,” Lt. Gov. and Republican candidate for governor Mark Robinson said in a video.  “Passions are inflamed on both sides of the aisle, but please, let’s all remember who we are. We are Americans, and let’s unify in the fact that violence has no place in political discourse.”

Robinson said he was praying for the entire country, North Carolina, Trump, and all Americans so that we could look at the incident, “Take a deep breath and realize we’re all Americans, and we need to stand up for what’s right and what’s right is being peaceful throughout our democratic process and let it play out as it will.”

His Democrat opponent for governor, Attorney General Josh Stein, said he was outraged at what happened at the rally, calling political violence abhorrent and which has no place in America.

“I pray for his health and am grateful he was able to walk off the stage tonight.,” he said Saturday.  “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.”

Republican US Sen. Thom Tillis said that he was praying for Trump and everyone at the rally and followed it with another post that said, “This was a heinous assassination attempt, and thank God that President Trump is safe,” he said. “Keep praying for those who were shot. Violence in our political system can never be tolerated.”

Fellow GOP US Sen. Ted Budd also said he was praying for everyone at the rally, and said, “The hysterical and incendiary rhetoric directed at President Trump is fueling this unAmerican political violence. It must stop.”

Congressman Dan Bishop, NC-08, who is also running on the Republican ticket for state attorney general, said to pray for Trump and the nation, while his Democratic opponent, Congressman Jeff Jackson, NC-14, said, “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.”

Republican Congressman Richard Hudson, NC-09, said he and his wife would be praying for Trump and everyone at the rally and thanked law enforcement.

“Political violence like this is anti-American,” he said.

Republican Congressman Greg Murphy, NC-03, said Saturday was 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,” he said. “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.”

Others across the political aisle also expressed their concern about the events.

Democratic Congresswoman Deborah Ross, NC-02, said, “I join leaders from both parties in expressing relief that former President Trump is safe and well, and I am thankful for the swift response from law enforcement. In America, political violence of any kind is unacceptable.”

“This is a dark day for America,” said Democrat Congressman Wiley Nickel, NC-13. “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.”

Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Manning, NC-06, also condemned the attack, saying she was relieved the former President was okay and was grateful for law enforcement’s swift response.

“As we await more details, one thing is clear – political violence has no place in America,” she said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald J. Trump, his family, and all victims of this horrific act,” said Democratic Congressman Don Davis, NC-01. “I’m grateful for the quick response of the Secret Service and law enforcement community. Political violence is never acceptable under any circumstances, and I strongly denounce this act.”

Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams, NC-12, also condemned the violence at the rally, saying she was thankful for the swift response by Secret Service and law enforcement officers.

“I pray for former President Trump’s recovery, for the family that lost a loved one, and others injured,” she said.  “Political violence is beneath us as a democracy.”

“I’m horrified by the violence at former President Trump’s rally, and I’m glad that he is safe and doing well,” said Democratic Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “My thoughts are with the family who lost a loved one, and I am thankful for the rapid response from law enforcement. Political violence has no place in our country.”

Other Republicans, including Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, NC-05, and Congressmen David Rouzer, NC-07, and Patrick McHenry, NC-10, posted similar messages saying they were praying for Trump and the nation.

North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, likewise said he was praying for Trump and the nation, as well as House Speaker and Congressional candidate Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, said his prayers were with Trump and everyone at the rally.

Democratic State Auditor and candidate Jessica Holmes reposted former Democratic President Barack Obama’s post, which said, “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”

Finally, Republican Insurance Commissioner and candidate Mike Causey issued a statement that said he was shocked and saddened to hear about the news and that the assassination attempt was abhorrent.

“Violence is not only cowardly but has no place in politics,” he said.” People should be respectful of all points of view and never resort to violence. Let’s lower the temperature and not get overly hyped on rhetoric.”

He also thanked the Secret Service, the first responders, and all those who put their lives on the line, and that he continues to pray for President Trump, his family, the attendees of this rally and our nation.

“My hope is that this will unite us all as Americans against political violence and ease our current tense political environment,” he said. “We need to come together as a nation.”