Senate unanimously condemns political violence in Oklahoma resolution

OKLAHOMA CITY – The state Senate passed a resolution condemning political violence Monday after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally over the weekend. 

SR 1, which passed unanimously and with bipartisan support, condemned “political violence in any form” and recognized the victims of Saturday’s shooting. It also called for “unification and peace” across the nation. 

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, authored the resolution and said during a special session Monday that several senators asked to “send a strong message that political violence will not be tolerated.” 

Later, he said in a statement that he thought it was appropriate for lawmakers to come together and condemn the violence. 

“While there is room to question why this happened, what could be done different and take necessary actions to improve security moving forward, we must also recognize and commend the swift action of those who assisted in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy,” Treat said. “I appreciate all of my colleagues who voted on this today and pray our country can get to a place where this isn’t necessary in the future.”

Minutes into Trump’s speech at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, shots rang out. Trump was hit in the right ear before being shielded and escorted away by Secret Service agents. One attendee, Corey Comperatore, was killed, and two others were injured. 

The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed by Secret Service personnel.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement Saturday that political violence should not be tolerated. 

“My prayers are with President Trump and those in attendance at the rally — and we should all feel so thankful for the swift response by the Secret Service and law enforcement,” Stitt said. “While details are still coming in, we can’t tolerate attempts to thwart democracy with political violence. Period.”

Trump is at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this week where he is expected to formally accept his party’s presidential nomination.