Two governor hopefuls from opposing parties call for civility following Trump shooting

Two 2025 gubernatorial candidates have issued a joint statement calling for civility after the Saturday shooting at a Pennsylvania campaign rally for former President Donald Trump that left Trump wounded and one spectator dead.

State Sen. Jon Bramnick, a Union County Republican, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney, a Gloucester County Democrat, released a statement Monday saying the attempted assassination is a “stark reminder of the need for civility in our political discourse.”

“Disagreement is a foundation of our cherished political system, but the current environment in which political opponents are treated as enemies breeds extremism and political violence,” the two candidates said.

Trump was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman shot into the crowd. Trump said he was shot in his right ear before he was escorted away from the scene by Secret Service agents. One man in the audience was killed and at least two others were injured in the shooting the FBI is investigating as an assassination attempt. Secret Service agents killed the shooter.

“We condemn the horrific events of this weekend and urge all residents and elected leaders to treat each other with civility and respect,” Bramnick and Sweeney said.

Bramnick’s and Sweeney’s time in the Legislature overlapped for nearly two decades  — Bramnick served in the Assembly in the time Sweeney was in the Senate. Both are regarded as moderates in their parties.

They are two of nine candidates vying to be the next governor of New Jersey in 2025. Gov. Phil Murphy is barred from seeking a third consecutive term.