California Secretary of State issues statement on Pennsylvania shooting

The California Secretary of State has released a statement following a shooting at a campaign rally of former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening.

“Over the course of my life, I have witnessed too many acts of political violence in America. Over the past decades, too many people have been injured or killed because of their beliefs,” California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said in a statement, stressing the importance of resolving differences through democratic processes rather than acts of violence.

“We resolve political differences at the ballot box, through activism and through participation in political discourse,” she added. “There is absolutely no place for political violence.”

Dr. Weber, a San Diego native, expressed her condolences to the victims of the attack while pledging to uphold the democratic process for California voters.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families of this terrible tragedy. We pray for the former president and the injured and wish them a speedy recovery. We will keep the deceased and their families in our prayers,” she said.

“As Secretary of State, I am committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe to participate in every aspect of the political process. Everyone has the right to express their political views, to speak out, to attend rallies, to hold signs, to volunteer and to vote.

“We must work together to protect the integrity of our democratic system and the safety of our communities.

“My office continues to work closely with local, state and federal authorities to ensure the security of our elections.”