CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – UPDATE 7/15 at 850am: Governor Youngkin has ordered Virginia flags lowered to half-staff in “memory and respect of former Pennsylvania Volunteer Firefighter Chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life shielding his family on July 13, 2024 in Butler County at a rally for former President Trump. Virginia stands in solidarity with and extends prayers to all Pennsylvanians, especially those who remain in critical condition and their families.”
They’re at half-staff until sunset Tuesday, July 16.

UPDATED 7/15 at 7:45am: includes full statements of Gov. Youngkin and John McGuire.

Former President Donald Trump was rushed offstage after shots were fired at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, today.

The Secret Service reports that Trump is now safe and is being checked at a local hospital. The Butler County district attorney confirmed that two people are dead: the gunman and an audience member.

Reporters heard numerous shots as the Secret Service rushed the stage.

Video captured by CBS News shows Trump touching his ear and then crouching to the ground, with some blood visible on his face. Trump was taken away in a motorcade, raising a fist as he got into the SUV.

Governor Youngkin: “Suzanne and I are praying for President Trump, praying for his family, and praying for America.”

Sunday, the Governor released a longer statement: “Last night, Donald J. Trump showed us strength and courage, and he showed us compassion and gratitude. I thank God for protecting him. My heart breaks for the innocent victims and their families, and I ask every Virginian, and every American, to lift-up in prayer today all of those impacted. I also ask you to pray for our nation. American exceptionalism is not granted; it is earned. This test of our Republic is a moment for us to do just that, earn the mantle of being exceptional. With one voice, we must condemn this evil violence. With one voice, we must declare that America’s future will be forged by the merit of our ideas, the clarity of our calling and the fortitude to stand for what is right. With one voice, we must prove that we are worthy of the generations that fought, that died, that sacrificed so much to build this great country. Yesterday’s attempted assassination of President Trump was an action of pure evil – an afront against our morality, an afront against our liberty, an afront against the very foundations of our great nation. If we ever deem it acceptable, then we will lose our Republic. We fix this through courage, faith, and yes, love. We fix this by repairing our culture. We fix this by defending our beliefs with dignity and fortitude. We fix this by knowing God Almighty blessed this chosen land, and we will defend America against all enemies foreign and domestic. We fix this, together, by being Americans.”

John McGuire: “Praying for President Trump and our country. God clearly saved the life of Donald Trump today — Thank God Trump is OK. He is a fighter! Let’s keep an eye on each other. The enemy is not at the gate, the enemy is in the gate. Stay vigilant. We must pray, come together, and help Donald J. Trump save our country. God bless America!”

Sen. Mark Warner: “There is no place for political violence in a democracy. I’m monitoring this terrible situation and praying for all those at the Pennsylvania rally.”

Sen. Tim Kaine: “I’m deeply concerned by this situation and am praying for President Trump and everyone at today’s event.”

Rep. Bob Good: “Pray for President Trump.”’

Rep. Abigail Spanberger: “I’m praying for everyone who was at the former president’s rally this evening, and I’m relieved that he is reportedly doing well. Political violence is never acceptable.”

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (D) and Minority Todd Gilbert (R): “”We were shocked and alarmed to learn of the violence that took place at the rally today. This is not a reflection of our shared values. In America, we settle political differences through free and fair elections. There is no place for violence in politics. Every American has the right to gather peacefully and participate in our political system. We are praying for the victims and President Trump and their families.”