Supporters and critics expressed shock and relief Saturday night after following the news that gunfire had broken out during former US President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
A staunch Trump supporter and also a prominent Indian American voice in the Trump camp, Al Mason expressed gratitude that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee appeared to be OK.
Speaking to ANI news agency, Masson said he was "in shock" following the news that former President Donald Trump had suffered an injury at a campaign rally.
"No attack on President Trump is going to stop him from winning the presidency once again.God is with him. Trump is a fighter and will fight for America.," Mason said.
Mason further added that the attempt to assassinate Trump will increase support for the former president at the Republican convention.
Trump was speaking to supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh when a shooter fired multiple shots towards the stage "from an elevated position, the Secret Service said in a statement. Secret Service agents escorted Trump, who appeared to have blood on his ear and cheek, off the stage.
Many of Trump's most ardent supporters, including Hindus4Trump, were quick to condemn the violence.
"As proud Hindu Americans, we believe in the sanctity of life and the power of unity in the face of adversity. This moment calls for us to come together as a nation, setting aside our differences to support our leaders and our country," Hindus4Trump said in a statement.
"We stand in solidarity with President Trump, his family and Democratic values and condemn this senseless division and violence. Hate has no place and as proponents of "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah...." the statement further added.
Similar sentiments are echoed by Jesse Singh, who founded the group American Sikhs for Trump.
Jesse Singh said, "We are praying for his safety and recovery. We condemn this act and appeal to America to get united behind President Trump. Waheguru ji bless Trump and America."
Singh also stressed that minorities are going to come out and support the former president this year. "Minorities have the same agenda as any other Americans. We want America to be great again."
Similarly, US President Joe Biden's supporters also condemned the attack on Trump. Ajay Bhutoria, Democratic Party deputy national finance chair, and strong Biden supporter, stressed that violence should never occur in the US and wished Trump a speedy recovery.
He stated, "Violence should never occur in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone affected by the rally today. I wish them a speedy recovery."
Hours after the shooting, Donald Trump's campaign senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, said that the former US President is "doing well" and is looking forward to being in Milwaukee to attend the Republican convention.
The convention is set to begin on Monday and Trump is scheduled to formally accept his party's nomination and deliver remarks on Thursday night, The Hill reported.
