Long Beach police to increase presence in city following shooting at Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania
Mayor Rex Richardson, other local officials condemned the shooting, which slightly injured former President Donald Trump and left two dead.
The Long Beach Police Department announced that it will carry out an “increased police presence” in the wake of an apparent shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania for former President Donald Trump.
“We are aware of the security incident in Pennsylvania and are in constant contact with our law enforcement partners in the region,” the department stated on its X (Twitter) account shortly after the shooting. “We will have an increased police presence.”
We are aware of the security incident in Pennsylvania and are in constant contact with our law enforcement partners in the region. We will have an increased police presence.
— Long Beach PD (CA) (@LBPD) July 13, 2024
As always, please remember to "See Something, Say Something". Report suspicious activity by calling… pic.twitter.com/q8bM8C4OKN
The LBPD did not immediately respond to the Watchdog to provide more information.
At this time, there are no "specific or credible threats" to Los Angeles County stemming from the shooting, the LA County Sheriff's Department posted on X (Twitter).
We are closely monitoring the recent assassination attempt of former President Trump and working with our federal and regional partners to ensure the safety of our communities in LA County.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) July 14, 2024
The Department will continue to monitor this evolving incident and will be increasing… pic.twitter.com/3HM9g3wwnp
News footage showed Trump appear to clutch his right ear after several pops were heard, then duck behind a podium as Secret Service agents surrounded him. Photos distributed online appeared to show blood on Trump’s right ear and face. Trump was taken to a medical facility after the shooting, and a campaign aide later said he was “fine,” according to The Hill.
The Secret Service announced on social media that it was investigating the shooting, which it was treating as an “assassination attempt,” according to the Associated Press. The shooter was "neutralized" by the Secret Service, according to a press statement released by Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. The statement also confirmed two spectators were critically injured and one killed.
Long Beach public officials condemned the shooting on social media.
“The attack on former President Trump was horrific and we should all condemn this shooting in the strongest possible terms,” Congressional Representative Robert Garcia, D—Long Beach, posted on X (Twitter) shortly after the apparent shooting. “There is no place in our country for political violence”
The attack on former President Trump was horrific and we should all condemn this shooting in the strongest possible terms. There is no place in our country for political violence. I am grateful for the swift response from Secret Service and law enforcement.
— Congressman Robert Garcia (@RepRobertGarcia) July 13, 2024
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson used similar language to Garcia, saying his violence against elected officials and candidates “should not be tolerated” and that his prayers are with “our nation, and those impacted” at the campaign rally.
My prayers are with our nation, and those impacted at today’s campaign rally for former President Trump.
— Office of Mayor Rex Richardson (@LongBeachMayor) July 13, 2024
Political violence has no place in our communities, at campaign rallies, our capital, or anywhere in our nation.
Violence against elected officials and candidates should not…
Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-33), who represents Southeast Los Angeles including Lakewood and Long Beach, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "gun violence is too rampant in this country" saying she is "saddened" that more Americans were killed at the rally.
Gun violence is too rampant in this country. I’m saddened by more Americans killed today at a Presidential campaign rally. Party affiliation shouldn’t make a difference, as everyone deserves to be safe in America. 🇺🇸
— Lena Gonzalez (@SenGonzalez_33) July 14, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the 4th District which includes Long Beach, also posted on X saying while she doesn't agree with Trump's politics, "all candidates have the right to safely campaign in public without fear of violence."
While I don’t agree with his politics, I absolutely believe that former President Trump and all candidates have the right to safely campaign in public without fear of violence. It is a cornerstone of our democracy.
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) July 13, 2024
Political violence has no place in the United States.
Caitlin Antonios contributed to this article.
Editor's note: This article was updated to include further statements from local and federal officials.
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