BUTLER, Pa. — State governors, leaders and St. Louis area political organizations are reacting to the shooting at former president Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania Saturday.
The shooting was being investigated as an attempted assassination, according to law enforcement.
Former Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis was at a June 2017 congressional baseball game when a shooter opened fire.
"These instances, are tragic times," Rep. Davis told 5 On Your Side's Annie Krall only hours after the Trump rally shooting. "I will tell you from that morning, I have never been in a more horrifying, terrifying experience. That lasted about 10 minutes until the gunman was finally taken down."
The Republican representative with the 13th district served for a decade starting in 2013. Davis now joins the chorus of Illinois and Missouri politicians reacting to Saturday's fatal shooting, leaving as of now one bystander dead.
The impact this has on not only the rest of the presidential race, but the lives of those in attendance is hard to ignore for Rep. Davis.
"What would you want to say to the people who were at that Pennsylvania rally considering you've also been in a similar situation back in 2017?" Krall asked.
"No. 1, you're never going to forget what happened that day," Davis said. "You're always going to be part of a historical day in American history that you didn't ask for."
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson:
"Please join Teresa and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and all victims who were in attendance at the rally in Pennsylvania today. Please pray for our nation."
Missouri GOP:
"We at the Missouri Republican Party are shocked and appalled by the apparent assassination attempt against President Trump today. We thank the Secret Service for their swift action and pray for President Trump's quick recovery. We look forward to a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible for this act of terrorism are held accountable."
Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe:
"Saturday was a sad day for our nation. I’m thankful that President Trump is safe and pray for his continued safety. We mourn the loss of Corey Comperatore, a true patriot and hero who gave his own life protecting his family. It’s more important now than ever that we come together as Americans and not let this heinous act of violence against President Trump and his supporters threaten the freedoms that so many have fought to defend."
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey:
"My family and I join Americans across our great country in praying for President Trump, the heroic first responders and innocent bystanders who found themselves in the path of senseless political violence are also in our prayers. Missouri stands behind your courage and selflessness."
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker:
"Violence is never the answer in our democracy. I am closely monitoring the situation and praying for former President Trump's recovery. Thankful to the Secret Service for their quick response."
U.S. Sen. Dick Durban (D-IL):
"Political violence is never acceptable. I'm keeping the former president, the bystander who was tragically killed, and all who were injured or whose safety was threatened in my thoughts."
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12):
"Tracy and I are shocked by the news of the attack on President Trump in Pennsylvania this afternoon," said Bost. "We are monitoring the situation closely and praying for the President."