CNA Newsroom, Jul 13, 2024 / 20:57 pm (CNA).
Catholic ecclesial and political leaders across the United States offered their prayers for Donald Trump after an attempted assassination of the former president Saturday evening at a campaign event in Pennsylvania.
Among them was Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, where the shooting took place.
“We are deeply shocked by news reports of the shooting at a political rally for former President Trump right across the street from one of our churches in Butler County,” Zubik said in a statement.
“We are grateful for the swift actions of the Secret Service and our local first responders,” he added. “Let us join together in prayer for the health and safety of all, for healing and peace, and for an end to this climate of violence in our world. May God guide and protect us all.”
Bishop Larry Kulick, bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, which neighbors Butler County but does not include it, stated: “I am terribly saddened to hear about the violence at the campaign rally this afternoon in Butler County. My heartfelt prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by this horrific event.”
“Today’s events demonstrate the political tension that exists in our nation,” Kulick continued. “Violence can never be a legitimate part of the democratic process. I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg to join in me in prayer for those who have died, those who mourn their loss, and those who have been injured.”
Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, soon after the news of the shooting broke.
“I would like to offer prayers for President Trump and all those who were injured at the rally in Pennsylvania,” he said. “We must turn from the path of violence. May the Lord bless our troubled nation.”
Bishop Walker Nickless of Sioux City, Iowa, called Thursday’s shooting “a tragic day for our country.”
“There is no place for political violence in the United States. The events today demonstrate the great need for prayer — it is a time to pray for peace and pray for an end to violence,” he said.
“We must also pray for those who may have been killed or injured in the event, and their families, and pray for the quick recovery of former President Trump,” he added. “Moving forward, may we show love and respect for one another in this great country.”
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City also offers his prayers for Trump “and those killed, injured and traumatized Saturday at the rally in Pennsylvania.”
Coakley added: “Let us remember that violence is never the answer to our differences. And may God bless our nation, at this time marked by division.”
Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, expressed similar sentiments.
“Please pray for President Trump and his family and for the souls and families of those killed in this terrible incident,” he said. “Please pray for peace in our nation.”
Bishop Donald Hying, bishop of Madison, Wisconsin, also offered prayers for Trump and those injured in the shooting, adding, “Our country needs prayer and conversion. Our country needs God.”
Michael Warsaw, board chairman and CEO of EWTN, CNA’s parent organization, released the following statement: “This is a very very sad day for our country. We need to pray for the former president and all who have been impacted by this incident. We also need to redouble our prayers for our country.”
Kevin Roberts, the Catholic president of The Heritage Foundation, said the shooting was “no surprise” given years of bitterly heated rhetorical attacks against Trump.
“Today’s attempted assassination of Donald Trump is something many of us have been worried about,” Roberts said in a statement.
“When the Radical Left spends years and millions of dollars calling Trump and every conservative ‘threats to democracy,’ it’s no surprise that today’s tragedy would happen,” he said. “We must pray for our country and all our leaders, and for an end to this inflammatory rhetoric of the Left and their media accomplices.”
This is a developing story.
National Catholic Register staff writers Matthew McDonald and Peter Laffin contributed to this story.
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I’d recommend that these bishops ought to spend the time praying for their own salvation.
Let us recollect that the Shepherds of their flocks the Bishops are called to be more concerned about the welfare of their flock than of their own souls. Taking a moment to pray for the victims, the shooter and first responder is certainly charitable and compassionate and our calling to pray for our enemies and the enemies of God, those that hated Him before they hated us.
Yeah, you’d recommend it. You wouldn’t take the trouble to pray for their salvation yourself, of course. Not your job, is it, deacon? But then, maybe that’s no great loss, if your prayer was only going to run like this: “O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this bishop. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.”
You make no offer to pray for them yourself. Such an offer might be Pharisaical grandstanding — it usually contains at least an element of that — but if you were to follow through with private prayers, some good would come of it.
Nor are you offering fraternal correction. You do not address them directly. I doubt you would say that directly to your own bishop, or even write a letter with a signature and a return address to any of these other bishops.
What you are doing is gossiping. That’s all. Cut it out.
You put “deacon” in front of your name, presumably because you think Holy Orders entitles you to some deference. Well … not really in a forum like this, where the argument should not depend on the genetic fallacy that it matters who said it. Regardless, if you think your office of deacon entitles you to respect, the same logic should require you to think that the office of bishop entitles them to whatevever respect or deference you hope to receive from your title.
If no one can tell you have Holy Orders from the wisdom and holiness of what you write, maybe keep that part to yourself.
I will pray for you, however, Outis.
We are not obligated to respect corrupt leadership, and defending it, which is a consistent pattern for you, is sin on your part.
Absolutely
Fight, fight, fight the progressives outside the Church and inside the Church.
Prayers for all those who were injured or killed yesterday. 🙏
Security breakdown is obvious and as some of the media are reporting this morning, looks bad to the world when your Republican candidate is not adequately/smartly protected, (not to mention those in attendance).
Dear Kevin Roberts.
To bring this sad event into perspective, let’s remember that it is not the radical Left alone who are responsible for political violence. At the storming of the Capital (which was a violent political response which this very man did little to prevent) several people also lost their lives. Violence is never the answer and both parties are quilty of it. We must condemn all violence and not put the blame on one party alone. May the former president recover and conduct a decent campaign and be willing to humbly accept whatever the outcome. May both parties become more honest and moral in their rhetoric and behavior. May we as Americans hold the next president accountable for his actions and demand transparent and just leadership. May God bless America.
“We must condemn all violence and not put the blame on one party alone.”
A disgraceful and inappropriate post. Republicans aren’t shooting their opponents.
Is it disgraceful and inappropriate to condemn violence and call for both parties to be accountable? How can we ignore those on the Right such as the Proud Boys and the KKK etc. etc. who openly support Trump? Just look at their current posts and tweets that are calling for war and promoting violence! It’s Not all one sided. Both parties have drifted into the extreme. There is little if any honest dialogue, none seem willing to compromise. Our form of government welcomes diversity of opinion and dialogue resulting in compromise and cooperative dialogue . We need to understand and respect each other and get along. Nothing is gained by broad brushing and labeling others. We need love, tolerance and respect which is becoming to our Christian witness.
“… the Proud Boys and the KKK…”
I think all reasonable people lament and denounce the endless rioting and the hundreds of millions of dollars in destructions and damage caused by the Proud Boys and the KKK during the riots of 2020. (Ahem.)
The idea that because Party A (Dems) have become incredibly radical, amoral, and immoral means that Party B (GOP) has surely done the same in equal measure is both stupid and contrary to data/reason. The problem with the GOP, in many ways, is that is simply does what the Dems did 5 to 10 years ago rather than following actual objective principles. Hence, the part of stupid. And the reality of a “uniparty” in so many ways. But it mustn’t blind anyone to the fact that the Democratics, as a Party, have completely sold out to the culture of death, insanity, moral depravity, mutilation, etc.
James Connor,
Your “perspective” referencing the storming of the Capitol lacks perspective…
The House Select Committee formed to investigate January 6, 2001—why did it reject the request for a broad perspective to consider escalating events preceding that single date? The street riots in other urban areas in 2000? In Minneapolis and Portland, and in Seattle where several city blocks, including a police precinct station, were occupied for almost a month? Several shots fired and one 16-year-old boy hit fatally. Have a look: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Hill_Occupied_Protest
Would Jan. 6 have been even thinkable without these incompetently-handled lead-in events?
I clearly recall, at the beginning in Seattle, Mayor Durkan at the site (and broadcast live on local radio) likening the event to a neighborly “block party,” and then pleading, “we gave you free college education, what more do you want?” A reference to Seattle’s recent taxpayer-funded program for free junior college education. Compassionate vote buying, and a small-scale version of forgiving student loan debt?
“What more do you want”? The swan song from a therapeutic/value-neutral education system and Provider State?
So, about your “perspective”: there are more layers to this onion. Including this recent clip regarding responsibility: https://x.com/OversightAdmn/status/1800207258514575730
Dear Peter. I doubt that we will ever know what really happened at the storming of the Capitol, but we do have numerous tweets and recordings of Mr. Trump which call for vigilante violence against those who have parted ways with him or he considers his enemy. Such as arresting and locking up former President Obama, the Clintons, former vice president, Michael Pence, President Joe Biden and many others. Many people have been intimidated. Some politicians such as Mitt Romney have publicly stated that they got out of politics because of threats against their families . These are all instances of dirty politics, and we must demand better. The dirty politics of the past pale in comparison to what is happening now. Watergate Looks like a fraternity prank in comparison to the physical violence we are experiencing today. Both parties are guilty of giving their tacit support to violent groups who support their agendas. It is not at all one sided. We must demand better we must demand accountability and transparency. My prayer is that the former president humbles himself and is drawn close to the Lord and if re-elected becomes an exemplary leader who draws the country together. I pray that he respects the rule of law and the limitations of his elected office. I pray that he openly condemns all of the violent groups who support him as well as those on the left. I pray that he will welcome dialogue and be able to respect the opponents views without resorting to character assassination. In short I pray that he may become a humble and holy man who is greatly used by the Lord. May God bless America and him.
Meanwhile, I’ll pray that you might develop the willingness to see beyond your DNC talking points and see the situation, and your contributions to it, more clearly. Don’t worry about Trump. Repent of your own sins.
James. I agree with your assessment of our polarized politics. As you point out, there is dirty politics on both sides. However, I take issue with Trump ever becoming humbled or admitting guilt for anything. “The buck stops THERE”. His enormous ego prevents him. But you and I must continue to pray for miracles. We have no choice.
Thank you.
No political figure was assassinated on Jan 6th. The people who gathered to support President Trump were peacefully assembled.
The folks who dressed up in costumes and entered the Capitol, which is in fact a public building that exists to serve the American citizens, had emerged from a QAnon rabbit hole. I know a few people who follow that conspiracy narrative and they can barely perform their daily tasks competently, much less organize an insurrection.
I think there was a combination of easily led, angry citizens and some orchestration by interests who wanted to smear Trump and his supporters. It was a perfect way to accomplish that. If Donald Trump had been a political insider he might have seen it coming.
WOW! Your glasses? On Jan 6 several people died. “Stop the Steal” protesters Kevin Greeson, 55, and Benjamin Phillips, 50, both died of cardiovascular disease. Rosanne Boyland died “in a crush of fellow rioters during their attempt to fight through a police line. Ashli Babbitt shot while entering a broken Capitol window. Officer Brian Sicknick “passed away due to injuries sustained while on-duty.” The report stated that Sicknick “was injured while physically engaging with protesters. He returned to his division office and collapsed. Four suicides: Four other police officers committed suicide in the days and months after the riot. In-your-face!. Crazy Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson echoed “the rioters were only a group of tourists HAVING FUN”. AND, he was there!!!
Evidence Trump, Guiliani, Bannon and Eastman were directly initiating the invasion…
Trump: “Go down to the Capitol and FIGHT LIKE hell. While reclining to the WH for 2 hrs, Meadows received many calls to have Trump end the attempted coup, (even his family!!!), he refused. Then, after the building was trashed, Trump arose to say “Go home now, we LOVE YOU!!!
Bannon’s podcast and on TV. Jan. 5th. “Fasten your seat belts. All hell is going to break loose tomorrow”.
At the elipse…
Giuliani Call for ‘Trial by Combat’ Before Trump Mob Broke Into Capitol.
Eastman: Even after Jan 6 Eastman was trying to convince the public that the 2020 election was fraudlent. Iroinically prior to the coup told Trump two days before the insurrection that his scheme to keep himself in power was against the law.
All three begged Trump for a pardon!!!
Some other lawyer minions who admitted guilt…
Kenneth Chesebro the architect of the false elector scheme
Jenna Ellis, pleads guilty in Georgia.
Sidney Powell who was restricted from Trump meetings because she was “crazy”.
All factchecked. Hope this helps.
This rant is simply insane and is a good example of the very kind of delusional thinking that prompted the assassin’s attempts this weekend. Shame on you.
Mr. Morgan, a riot is not a coup nor an insurrection.
I’ll be glad when Mr Mr Trump is reelected, please God, and we can put these false narratives aside.
It’s a free country and you can vote for whomever you choose but we shouldn’t be going down these rabbit holes forever.
“On January 7, 2021, a United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer, Brian Sicknick, died after suffering two strokes the day after he responded to an attack on the U.S. Capitol.” ~ Wikipedia, citing a Washington Post article.
“All factchecked.” … badly.
Political violence has come from both sides of the political aisle. But currently 95% of the violence emanates from the Far Left. January 6 is the fault of the right, compared to the George Floyd riots, Antifa riots, Antifa taking over entire cities like Portland and Seattle, and the violent Pro-Hamas protests on US campuses, all of which are the fault of the Left.
I’m afraid that blood may flow from BOTH sides soon. BOTH are equally dangerous. It’s the nazis against to communists all over again. Different names but same ideologies.
Republicans are not Nazis. There is no logical or historical basis for that claim, which means that you are either profoundly ignorant or outright lying, both of which are unacceptable from the standpoint of basic Catholic teaching.
You are not the Pope. You don’t speak for the Church.
Violence is mostly from the GOP, and that the catholic church is tolerating this is unbelievable. Jesus Christ would be be very ashamed of the American catholic church.
Pope Francis’s view of this whole abortion and LGBTQ issue is exactly how Jesus would look at it.
“Violence is mostly from the GOP…”
Which branch? The Antifa-GOP? The BLM-GOP? The Planned Parenthood-GOP? The Abortion-Without-Limits-GOP? The Trans-Mutilation-GOP? The Illegal-“Immigrants”-Who-Commit-Violence-GOP?
So many choices. (Sarcasm off.)
At our Mass this morning not a moment of silence nor prayers for the victims, shooter certainly not for Trump even in the prayers of the people. No parting comments after the dismissal. When I asked Father about the lack of compassion, he dismissed the attempted assassination as an “incident” then hurried away.
EWTN definitely mentioned it right away.
Does anyone really care about what are essentially automatic canned replies expressing shock and outrage tweets, of outrage so sincere it does not put off eating breakfast and forgotten the moment SEND is pressed….I am so sick of posturing by “leaders” and their PR staffs. But such posturing makes up the majority of “news” today, a long string of blather statements.
The unfortunate attack on former President Trump is a sign of the toxic political polarization evident in the divisive rhetoric, seemingly the new norm.
The evidence is being accumulated, but it is reported that the weapon used was the military-style AR15, much like my miltary issue, the powerful M16.
We must pray that honest and freedom loving American poeple will become more involved in helping an effort to reunite our delicate republic. A start is joining an organization in your area using the “bully pulpit” provided. And, contact your political reps.
When Trump was in the hospital a major event happenned. President Biden called to offer his concern and whished him a full recovery. Trump THANKED Biden and told him that “the heat of political rhetoric needed to be lowered”. Biden agreed and made an appeal to the public from the Oval Office.
It appears that the current divisivness began when Trump refused to provide a peaceful transfer of power and began a maddening campaign to overthrow the election.
I hope the heat will cool quickly. Suprisingly or not, they are only providing ONE thermometer .
All well and good, as in yada yada yada, ssdd, etc.
But let’s not forget that ‘catholic’ Joe Biden is quoted as recently saying this to his donors: “it’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.” (source – Sean Fitzpatrick Crisis Magazine July 15, 2024)
Who is dangerous?
And then Biden, in expressing “regret” for that comment, STILL turned right around and called the opposition (backed by about half the population) a “threat to democracy”….that is, not voting for Biden and his party, and voting for anybody else, is undemocratic…
Biden’s short-term memory isn’t the best, and his long-term habit is inflammatory speech.
Supposedly, the man who investigated him for mishandling classified information declined to prosecute on the grounds that he could not prove mens rea for a person with such significant memory problems. Likely we cannot expect him to be entirely responsible for his speech now either.
Has Pope Francis issued a personal message about the attempt and directly to President Trump? A message from the Vatican press office is not enough
Liked what MrsCracker & Terrence posted.
Today heard a solid podcast that shooter Crux couldn’t have acted alone with supporting details& then a scary but true-sounding podcast with video of ASST FBI DIRECTOR Brittany (?) sitting BEHIND TRUMP at Sat’s Butler, PA assassination attempt. She’s on camera using her cell phone but looking toward shooter BEFORE he shot! Then she doesn’t freak out & slips down behind her sign- unlike everyone else! She calculatedly then took photo of Trump on floor!
Then a demonic George Soros post on VOZ shows their chilling picture “prophecy” of a bullet in glass next to $47 in cash (-presidents on bills) ! Trump would be President #47!!
And let’s recall that the Left lied “prophesying” again claiming that “Trump would take revenge on his political ‘enemies’ after his election”. But then I realized that all of the “FBI-protected” Leftist criminals would then BE investigated by actual TRUTHFUL law-abiding Conservative PROSECUTORS, with FAIR judges! Optic that they’d be “innocent victims”! Ugh!
PRAYING for WISDOM for our citizens & GOD’S WILL 🙏