Brooklyn Dems, GodSquad condemn attempted assassination of Trump

The Brooklyn Democratic Party and the 67th Police Precinct Clergy Council in Brooklyn, otherwise known as The GodSquad, Saturday night strongly condemned the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa., a town about 34 miles north of Pittsburgh.

“The Brooklyn Democratic Party strongly condemns the perpetrators who fired gunshots today at the Trump rally,” Party Chair New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, told Caribbean Life. “These heinous acts of violence have no place in our society, and threaten the safety and well-being of all Americans.

“Our party stands united against any candidate or individual who exhibits violent behavior, regardless of their political stance,” added Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Our prayers are with President Trump, his family and everyone at the rally, especially the one reported killed.

“As a party, we are committed to fighting against gun violence, protecting all Brooklynites, and electing Democrats who will promote gun safety,” she continued. “We believe in the importance of enacting common-sense gun laws, strengthening background checks and promoting responsible gun ownership.

“As Americans of this great nation, we stand behind freedom of association and expression of the 1st Amendment,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “No one should be threatened with death or harm because of who they choose based on associations, especially when it is not rooted in hate.”

She said it is “imperative that we uphold the values of inclusivity, respect and understanding, allowing everyone to freely associate without fear of reprisal.

“Together, we can foster a society that embraces diversity, and promotes the fundamental rights and liberties that define our great nation,” the Brooklyn Democratic Party chair said. “It is essential that we come together as a nation to denounce acts of violence and prioritize the safety of our citizens. We stand firm in our dedication to creating a peaceful and inclusive society, where all Americans can thrive without fear of gun violence.”

Pastor Louis H. Straker, Jr. Photo by Nelson A. King, file

The GodSquad, whose chairman is Pastor Louis Straker, Jr., the son of former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Louis Straker, Sr., said: “We unequivocally condemn the horrific act of violence that transpired in the attempted assassination of our former president. We pray for his continued safety and health.

“This senseless attack also tragically claimed the life of an innocent spectator and left two others injured,” The GodSquad said. “Our sincere condolences and prayers are with the families of those affected by this devastating event.

“Political violence has no place in our society,” it added. “It undermines the very fabric of our democratic values and sets a dangerous precedent that cannot be tolerated.”

The GodSquad said gun violence continues to plague communities, “claiming lives and instilling fear.”

“In these trying times, let us come together to reject hatred and violence in all forms,” it urged. “We must uphold the principles of justice, peace and democracy, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard through ballots, not bullets.

“We can and must build a future, where such tragedies are a distant memory, and where the sanctity of life and democratic ideals are upheld without compromise,” The GodSquad added. “As an organization dedicated to combating this scourge, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, fostering dialogue, and working tirelessly to create safer neighborhoods for all.”

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne was, perhaps, among the first Caribbean leaders to condemn the attempted assassination attack on Trump, decrying “all forms of violence against political leaders.”

Browne said it is “central to representative democracy that politicians must be allowed to campaign without threats to their lives.”

He said he was “relieved” that former Trump was not gravely injured.

Browne also said that he was “pleased that President Joe Biden also immediately condemned the attack on Mr. Trump”, adding that, “throughout the world, well-thinking people must make it clear that there is no tolerance for violence in our political culture.

“I will be sending a personal message of good will to Donald Trump, wishing him a speedy recovery”, the Antiguan leader said.

The FBI identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, a town of about 13,000 people, about an hour’s drive by car from the scene of the shooting.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” said the FBI in a statement early Sunday.

The Secret Service said Crooks was killed after he fired from “an elevated position” outside the outdoor rally, where Trump was addressing supporters.

Law enforcement officials also disclosed that they recovered an AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle near the body of a white man they believe was Crooks’.

The Secret Service said the gunman fired “multiple shots” toward the stage, at about 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, while Trump was speaking.

The Secret Service said one spectator was killed and two others critically injured.

“This evening, we had what we are calling an assassination attempt against our former president, Donald Trump,” Kevin Rojek, an FBI special agent, told a news conference at the Butler Township Police Department.

After he was taken to the hospital, with blood gushing down his right ear, Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Central: “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

In a nationally televised address Saturday night, President Joe Biden condemned the attack, describing it as “sick.”

“I’ve been thoroughly briefed by all the agencies in the federal government as to the situation based on what we know now,” he said. “I have tried to get ahold of Donald. He’s with his doctors. Apparently, he’s doing well. I plan on talking to him shortly, I hope, when I get back to the telephone.

“Look, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence,” Biden added. “It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.

“The idea that there’s political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of, it’s just not appropriate,” the president continued. “Everybody, everybody must condemn it, everybody. I’ll keep you informed, and if I’m able to speak to Donald, I’ll let you know that as well.

“But so far, it appears he’s doing well, No. 1,” he said. “No. 2, that they’re thoroughly investigating what happened to anyone else in the audience. We have some reports but not final reports.”