ALBUQUERQUE, N.M – New Mexico officials issued statements and responses in the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Gunfire rang out Saturday while Trump spoke at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, prompting Secret Service officials to whisk him off-stage. The incident left one person dead and multiple people wounded, including the former president who described in the incident on social media.

The suspected shooter is dead.

Leaders from across the political spectrum in New Mexico condemned the shooting, including our congressional delegation. We met up with them Monday to hear what they had to say.

“Yeah, really horrible weekend,” said Democratic U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich. 

“I think it’s absolutely abhorrent,” said Democratic U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury. 

“The violence that we’ve seen in day-to-day lives and in our politics, I mean, it’s so ugly, it’s wrong, it’s horrible,” Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan said.

The delegation condemned the violence against the former president and the other victims of the shooting.

“I am so grateful that President Trump is OK,” Stansbury said. 

“And my heart goes out to the families of the victims and certainly to the former president,” Heinrich said. 

Their message is echoing what both President Joe Biden and former President Trump said. 

“Now is the time for us to realize that no matter what are political differences, when we rise above those and treat each other with respect, this is a country that leads the world,” Heinrich said. 

“I certainly hope that all of us all across America can just take a moment to step back, cool the temperature. It’s OK to be engaged in politics. It’s OK to be, even in a situation where you can disagree but don’t resort to violence,” Lujan said.

“And I think the messages that you heard here today about lowering the temperature, about focusing on policy, are where we need to focus over the coming weeks and months until the election,” Stansbury said. “So it has to happen. American democracy depends on it.”

The two other members of the New Mexico congressional delegation also issued their own statements on the shooting:

Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D): “Gun violence has no place on our streets, in politics or in the Democratic discourse. As information continues to unfold, let me be clear that I strongly condemn acts of violence against anyone, regardless of political party. I wish President Trump a safe & speedy recovery as well as anyone involved in this incident.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D): “I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery and send my prayers to him, his family, and anyone else who was affected by this cowardly act. No matter how much we disagree, violence never has a place in our democracy.”

State leaders also weighed in.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) issued this statement:

“I’m horrified by today’s shooting in Butler, Pa. that resulted in the death of a spectator at a political rally and injuries to others, including former President Donald Trump. I condemn in the strongest possible terms political violence of any kind.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the victim who lost their life today, and I pray for the full recovery of former President Trump and others who were hurt by this reprehensible act of gun violence.

Americans must reject and denounce any attempt to resolve our political differences with bloodshed instead of democracy. With a presidential election looming, we must redouble our commitment to respectful and constructive discourse, regardless of political affiliation. New Mexico will do its part to ensure the safety and security of all and to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and civility.”

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse-Oliver echoed the governor’s sentiments, posting on social media, in part, “What a dark day in our country. Political violence is never the answer. Never. Never!”

Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce issued this statement Saturday:

“We are praying that President Trump was not severely harmed by the attack and for the other citizens who also may have been injured at his rally. This is despicable behavior, that we as nation must condemn.”

The Democratic Party of New Mexico also issued a statement on social media after the shooting:

“DPNM condemns the attack that occurred at the Trump rally today as strongly as possible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our Democracy. We wish for Trump’s full and speedy recovery.”

Some state lawmakers also offered statements in the wake of the shooting.

Senate Republican Leader Greg Baca (R-Belen), Senate Republican Whip Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), and Senate Republican Caucus Chair Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque) issued the following joint statement:

“We are deeply shocked and outraged to learn about the assassination attempt of President Trump. This senseless act of violence is an attack not only on our President, but on the very fabric of our democracy.

This fraught moment in American history warrants solidarity. We must stand united against violence lest we degrade into a third world country.

We must let the law enforcement agencies do their work to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our nation. Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to uphold the principles of peace, justice, and the rule of law.”

New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez said this Saturday on social media:

“Shocked and appalled by the violence at the rally in Butler, PA today. We must stand together as a nation to condemn political violence in all its forms.”

New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth also offered similar sentiments Saturday:

“I am horrified by today’s events. Political violence is never the answer.”