Justice delivers address, WV leaders react to Trump assassination attempt

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivered an address Monday morning where he spoke about the assassination attempt on Trump, as well as his plans to speak at the Republican National Convention (RNC) this week.

“We saw him, Donald J. Trump, nearly assassinated.... We saw a miracle right in front of our eyes,” Justice said. “How could the bullet have really missed his head? I mean, unbelievable the blessing we saw right in front of our eyes.”

Justice, who described the former president as a personal friend and has also been a critic of President Joe Biden, stated, “From the standpoint of our politicians, we’ve got to amp down the rhetoric, we’ve got to get back to where we’re respecting one another, whether you’re Democrat or Republican, Independent, whatever it may be.”

Justice’s remarks also confirmed his plans to attend the RNC this week remain unchanged but offered no additional details about his speech.

“I’ll go without one thread of fear,” Justice said. “I’ll go with my message ... we’ve got to hit the recheck button. This business in America of this level of hatred, and this level of speech that has gone on, especially the assaults on this absolutely great man, cannot be tolerated.”

Justice’s appearance at the RNC was confirmed Saturday by the campaign for Republican nominee, former president Trump. The news release listed Justice as a speaker, adding that Babydog — the Justice family English bulldog — would accompany him. According to a news release from Justice's senate campaign, the governor, along with Babydog, are expected to appear on the RNC's main stage from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m., tonight, July 16. 

The governor also posted on X on Saturday: “All of my prayers go out to President Trump and his family. We should draw strength from his courage. I REFUSE to let these actions make me feel afraid. Please pray for President Trump.”

West Virginia House of Delegates:

On Monday, in a bipartisan display, 97 members, (though not all) of the West Virginia House of Delegates signed off on a statement, which included, in part:

“The heinous act in rural Pennsylvania, not far from our borders, has become a deadly reminder that words matter, and civic discourse should never be life or death. We join in praying for healing: for those who were injured and died, for President Donald J. Trump, the many first responders and all those who witnessed the deadly tragedy Saturday night, as well as their families, during this traumatic time.”

West Virginia Senate GOP Caucus:

On Monday, 29 members of the West Virginia Senate GOP Caucus signed off on a statement that included, in part:

“The safety and security of our nation’s elected leaders and candidates as well as those who gather to support them are essential to affect the will of the people. This act of violence against President Trump and his supporters is an attack on the principles of democracy and the foundation of our great nation.”

West Virginia Republican Party:

On Sunday, West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Matt Herridge posted a video message on the WVGOP X account, stating in part, “Pray that this nation will never see this kind of political violence ever again. But it’s time for us to come together as a country, it’s time for us to come together as parties, and refuse to allow this type of hate and anger to define us.”

West Virginia Democratic Party:

On Saturday, West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin issued the following statement on X: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Donald Trump, his family, and the other victims of this despicable and cowardly act that took place in Butler, Pennsylvania today. Such acts of violence are not only an assault on an individual but an act of violence against our entire country and our democratic system of government.”

Members of the West Virginia Congressional delegation and other elected officials also made statements about the rally shooting on social media:

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va.:

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., released a statement on Sunday, titled, “A wakeup call for America. Will we answer it?”

Manchin stated, in part: “This should be a wake-up call for all of us. This is a moment where Americans must come together to support the ideals that make our nation great. It is a time to put country before party. On both sides. It is a time to focus on what we are for, not who we are against. It is a time to recognize how close we are to tearing this country apart and to acknowledge how much worse that will be for all Americans.”

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.:

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., released a statement on Monday which read, in part: “Now more than ever, we need to come together as Americans. Violence of any kind has absolutely no place in our country and I condemn it entirely. Like many Americans, I have questions around this attack and it is important we understand how and why this terrible act of violence occurred.”

U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-2nd District:

On Saturday, U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-2nd Dist., condemned the assassination attempt via a post on X, which stated, in part: “Heinous acts by deranged actors have no place in our politics. This type of senseless violence goes against everything our country stands for. It must not be tolerated. Today’s events will not deter President Trump or his supporters.”

U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, R-1st District:

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, R-1st Dist., released a statement, that read in part: “My heart breaks for [victim] Corey Comperatore’s family who are mourning the loss of their father, husband, son, and hero. Political violence has no place in America, and we will never surrender to hateful fear tactics. I thank God that President Trump survived this assassination attempt and I’m more confident than ever that he is the leader America needs.”

W.Va. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey:

“The whole state of West Virginia is praying for you, President Trump!,” Attorney General Patrick Morrisey posted on Saturday, on X. “We are rooting for a quick recovery after this heinous act. We stand by you!”

Mayor of Huntington Steve Williams:

Mayor of Huntington and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Steve Williams released the following statement, that read, in part:

“First and foremost, I am thankful that former President Trump’s life was spared. My heart aches for the family of the Fire Chief who gave his life to protect his family and I pray for the swift recovery of those who were wounded. The cowardly attack that resulted in the death of one individual and the wounding of two others is a grave assault on our democracy and the principles that bind us as a nation.”

Glenn Elliott:

Glenn Elliott, former mayor of Wheeling and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, canceled an event in Martinsburg on Monday in light of the Trump assassination attempt and posted on X:

“Like so many of you, I am at a loss to comprehend the senseless, nauseating violence that took place in Butler, PA. These are unprecedented times, and the safety and comfort of my fellow West Virginians is of the utmost importance.”