Former Representative Liz Cheney, a prominent Wyoming Republican known for her outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, condemned the unsettling shooting incident that disrupted a campaign rally where Trump was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania.

During the rally on Saturday, chaos erupted when gunshots rang out, prompting Trump to be swiftly escorted off stage by security personnel. The former president, visibly shaken, briefly fell to the ground before being shielded. Tragically, initial reports indicated that the shooter was deceased and a rally attendee had lost their life.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, reassured the public that the former president was unharmed and receiving medical evaluation nearby. “President Trump thanks law enforcement and first responders for their swift response during this tragic event,” Cheung stated in an email to Newsweek.

In response to the incident, Liz Cheney took to social media to express her concern and offer prayers for those affected. “Reports of the shooting in Pennsylvania are deeply troubling. Violence should never be tolerated in our political discourse. We commend the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid action and pray for the safety of the former president and all others involved,” Cheney wrote.

The Secret Service immediately launched an investigation into the shooting, emphasizing their commitment to securing the area and gathering further details.

Donald Trump, who has clashed with Cheney over her opposition to his post-election actions, had previously criticized her role in the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. Despite Cheney’s prior support for Trump’s policies, her outspoken criticism led to her removal from House Republican leadership in 2021 and a subsequent primary defeat in 2022.

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania condemned the violence, asserting that any form of political violence targeting any party or leader is unacceptable. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to aiding law enforcement efforts in response to the incident.

The White House acknowledged receiving an initial briefing on the situation and stressed their ongoing monitoring of developments related to the incident at Trump’s rally.