The alleged assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump may be national news, but the shockwaves are hitting closer to home during this contentious election season.
This week, two local officials weighed in on the July 13 campaign rally near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during which a lone gunman allegedly fired eight rounds into the crowd, injuring the former president and several bystanders, and killing a rally attendee before being shot and killed by a sniper with the Secret Service.
“As I reflect upon the events of this past weekend, I am reminded of the thought that there is really no place for violence in politics, and really, no place for violence in America,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell during the July 16 meeting of the Commissioners Court.
“America is great because we discuss our differences and our opinions without fear or without fear of retaliation. We can be emotional in our conversations and our convictions without being physical in our response.”
Taylor’s Mayor Dwayne Ariola also condemned the shooting and said the city is ready to work with other government agencies to prevent any further violence locally during this election year— should the need arise.
“On a personal level, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Ariola said in an email. “From the city’s perspective, as the attack was unrelated to city elections, we do not expect any additional threats to public safety within the city. Should an event related to the national election come to Taylor, we will work with our Federal, State and local partners to assess the threat level and coordinate to prevent such an attack in our community.” At the meeting, Gravell commended his colleagues, who hail from different sides of the aisle, for the exemplary way they work together.
“I also want to say to this court and my colleagues, I often think of you each day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I pray for all of you, and I am thankful that we have the privilege of serving together. We have had disagreements, and spirited conversations. But there has never been a threat of violence, and I am grateful to my colleagues that we can have our differences and that we can work together.”
“America has to be better than this, and America should be better than this,” Gravell added.
