Connecticut lawmakers call for unity and investigation after assassination attempt – NBC Connecticut

In their first public appearances since a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump on Saturday, federal lawmakers from the state of Connecticut continued to appeal for unity.

“They go to the polls and they don’t use violence,” said Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of the 3rd District during an independent news conference in New Haven.

Trump was grazed on the ear on Saturday after Thomas Matthew Crooks fired several shots during a campaign rally.

A sniper shot Crooks and Secret Service agents forced Trump out of the event.

Reps. Joe Courtney and John Larson joined DeLauro after an event in East Hartford.

“We’ve seen far too much of this,” said Larson (D) in the 1st District.

The comments reflected what the all-Democratic delegation said in statements over the weekend.

They said it was the responsibility of all candidates to tone down their political rhetoric.

“Candidates and public officials have a duty to lead by example and show that hate and talk of physical violence are absolutely taboo,” Courtney said.

Republican Party leaders in Connecticut expressed a similar message.

Chairman Ben Proto, who is currently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attend the Republican National Convention, said the candidates can passionately criticize each other’s policies, but they need to be careful how they say it.

“I think we need to be more thoughtful about the words we use,” Proto said.

Proto criticized a Democratic candidate: Ken Gucker, who is trying to reclaim his Danbury House seat, which he won in 2018 and 2020.

Shortly after the shooting, Gucker shared a photo on his Facebook campaign page with an image from the show “Get Smart” and the phrase “missed him by so much.”

Proto tells Gucker to drop out of the race.

“I don’t know how more idiotic, inattentive and insensitive one can be,” he said.

Gucker said in a statement that the posting was a mistake. He said someone sent him the photo and he accidentally posted it along with pictures.

“I take full responsibility for this mistake and deeply regret it,” he said in the statement. “I have never condoned political violence in any form. There are no plans to drop out of the race at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the events in Pennsylvania, including former President Trump.”

The state Democratic Party declined to comment on Gucker’s position but said it was not asking him to quit.

In addition to the call for unity, elected officials also expressed condolences to the other victims, including Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief who died protecting his family.

“And the death of the firefighter, who brought his family with him, is heartbreaking,” DeLauro said. They also called for independent investigations into the incidents, including investigations by the House and Senate.

Many wondered how Crooks managed to get to the roof of a nearby building and get a clear view of Trump.

“Ultimately, the Secret Service is responsible for the security of former presidents,” Blumenthal said.