We are heartsick to hear the news coming out of Pennsylvania about the shooting at the campaign rally for former President Donald Trump. We are grateful for the Secret Service agents for their quick action in keeping the former president safe and we offer our condolences to the families of the yet unnamed attendees - one of whom was reportedly killed and another seriously injured.

Political violence has no place in the United States of America. We have the right to disagree with our political leaders and government actions, but we express those disagreements with words and with ballots.

We encourage us all to use this event as an opportunity to take a step back from the hate-filled rhetoric and recognize that we are all Americans.