Bishop Knestout’s statement on shooting at Trump rally: Pray for ‘peace, reason, national unity’

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump is assisted by guards during a campaign rally after shots were reportedly fired at the Butler Farm Show in Pennsylvania July 13, 2024. A local prosecutor says the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead. (OSV News photo/Brendan McDermid, Reuters)

(RICHMOND, VA.) – “I join my brother bishops in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in condemning political violence, and in praying for former President Trump and the victims of this senseless and deeply saddening shooting.

“This tragic event, an assassination attempt against a candidate for high office, comes in the backdrop of a profoundly polarized time in our nation – one rooted all too often in distrust and cynicism. I applaud those in our national discourse calling for peace, reason, and national unity, and I echo their sentiments.

“I implore our parishes to call for prayers, not only for the victims of this shooting and their families, but also for civility in our discourse, peaceful interaction during this election cycle, and for unity and healing in our nation.”

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Catholic, civic leaders call for peace following Trump assassination attempt

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