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Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures, with blood on his face, is assisted by guards after shots were fired during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024. A local prosecutor says the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead. (OSV News photo/Brendan McDermid, Reuters)

In Archdiocese of Baltimore, prayers for former President Trump and end to political violence


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Catholic Review Filed Under: 2024 Election, Feature, Gun Violence, Local News, News

In the wake of a July 13  assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump, priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore responded July 14 with prayers and a call for more unity in America.

Archbishop William E. Lori issued the following statement: “In the wake of the shooting at Butler, Pennsylvania, let us pray for the person who died and for those who were injured, including the former president. Let us also pray for an end to violence and for the wisdom to find paths of honest and constructive dialog in these challenging days for our nation and for the world.”

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during a campaign rally after shots were reportedly fired at the Butler Farm Show in Pennsylvania July 13, 2024. A local prosecutor says the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead. (OSV News photo/Brendan McDermid, Reuters)

At 9 a.m. Mass at St. Isaac Jogues in Carney, Father James Kiesel opened the liturgy by asking for prayers for all those injured and impacted at the event in Butler. Later in his homily, the pastor urged parishioners to tone down political rhetoric, reach out and be kind to one another.

Father Raymond Harris, pastor of Holy Family in Randallstown, wrote in a social media post: “Gun violence is rampant in our nation. Join in prayer for all victims of gun violence, including former President Trump, other injured persons, and a person who was killed during the event in Butler, Pennsylvania. Join in prayer also for the Secret Service and law enforcement. May prayer lead to a resolve to address this plague that affects our nation in many sectors.”

Father Mark Bialek, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Westminster and St. Joseph in Taneytown, posted on social media: “Political violence is never acceptable. We pray for all those affected by the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, and ask for God’s grace that we may never be motivated by hatred and violence to resolve our differences. May God’s grace call us toward dialogue and understanding during a time of great unrest and division. Christ’s call is always for us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us and learn what it means to truly forgive one another from our hearts.”

The Maryland Catholic Conference reposted on X (formerly Twitter) the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ statement from USCCB President Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio: “We ask all people of goodwill to join us in praying for peace in our country. Mary, Mother of God and Patroness of the Americas, pray for us.” 

Former President Donald Trump was reported to be “fine” after a bullet grazed his ear from shots fired at a campaign rally. 

U.S. Secret Service rushed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee offstage with visible blood on his face and ear, as he paused to pump his fist at supporters. 

The FBI identified the deceased gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa. 

Earlier that that evening, the Secret Service confirmed that “a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue” and that it “neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.” 

One spectator was killed during the shooting and two spectators were critically injured. 

OSV News contributed to this story.

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