Donald Trump’s closest New Jersey ally reacted late Saturday evening to the attempt on the former president’s life by pointing out the obvious: Trump is one tough mother f***er, Save Jerseyans.
“Our prayers are with President Trump and the families of those killed and injured in today’s senseless act of violence,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R, NJ-02), chairman of the presumptive Republican nominee’s 2024 New Jersey campaign. “President Trump has always shown unwavering resilience and leadership in the face of adversity—from impeachment to indictment, arrest, and now attempted assassination—he consistently rises above. Regardless of political stance or personal feelings, violence is never justified in any circumstance. God bless President Trump, and may God bless America.”
Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania shooter has since been identified as a 20-year-old registered Republican Thomas Matthew Crooks who reportedly donated $15 to the Democrat “ActBlue” network.
One rally attendee was killed while two others (besides Trump) were injured by the assassin who fired on the crowd from a nearby rooftop. The two injured rally attendees were listed in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
You can click here to watch video of Trump’s instantly-iconic defiant reaction to the shooting which injured his right ear.
Van Drew became a close ally of then-President Trump in 2019 when the South Jersey congressman switched parties in opposition to the Democrats’ first impeachment process. Trump has since held two rallies in Van Drew’s district – both in Wildwood – and Van Drew was briefly mentioned by pundits as a possible Trump 2024 running mate.
Earlier Saturday, Van Drew announced that he had been added to the RNC Milwaukee speaking list and would deliver remarks during Tuesday’s program.
Here’s the moment that a bullet impacted President Trump’s ear:
