‘We need unity’: Rhode Islanders react to attempted assassination of Trump

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — State officials and Rhode Islanders alike are reacting to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

Both sides of the isle telling ABC 6 News Monday, that we cannot have this type of violence or division in our country.

State politicians immediately put out statements this past weekend following the attempted assassination of the former president at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Monday, Senator Jack Reed shared his thoughts on the issue.

“There is no place for violence in our country, in a democracy,” said Reed. “I think we’re all grateful that President Trump survived and also saddened that innocent people were killed, we cannot have this type of behavior.”

Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz said in part in a statement to ABC6 News “We can all agree that violence is never an acceptable resolution for political or ideological differences. It is my sincere hope that we can unite in this moment, recognizing this act as an affront to the American principles that are the bedrock of our nation.”

“I was really devastated, I was nervous, I was shaking, wondering what this world is coming to,” said Henry Gardner, manager of the New England for Trump store in Warwick.

“We expected it but to think it actually would happen is pretty surprising,” said Nicholas Morrell, Trump supporter.

Rhode Islanders are now finding comfort at the New England for Trump store after the attempted assassination.

“I’m usually not even open on Mondays but today I opened because of what happened over the weekend and it’s been really good,” said Gardner.

When it comes to how the incident will affect the 2024 election, Senator Reed said the public needs to focus on the issues at stake when choosing a candidate.

“We’ve got to get back to the issues of our economy,” said Reed. “President Biden has done remarkable things for the economy.”

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse came out with a similar message, saying America has a gun problem that needs to be addressed.

“We have to reaffirm that in a democracy violence has no place,” said Whitehouse.

In the meantime, Warwick’s Trump store will soon be selling that photo everyone is talking about plastered on a t-shirt.

“It almost seals the deal for President Trump,” said Gardner. “Folks that are sitting on the fence are seeing the political climate right now, the lawfare, it’s not what this country was built on. We need unity.”