'America needs to turn to Jesus, pray for our leaders, repent of our sins'
'We just started praying': Trump rally eye witness
An eye witness to shots fired at former President Trump's rally said it sounded like 'firecrackers' were going off.
Faith leaders from across the country have issued reaction to this afternoon's developments after former President Donald Trump was seen bleeding just above his right ear following apparent gunshots during his political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump was rushed offstage by Secret Service agents after gunfire seemed to break out during his rally on Saturday.
As of publication time, he remains in the hospital following the violence.
TRUMP IN HOSPITAL FOLLOWING GUNSHOTS DURING PA RALLY
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, told Fox News Digital early Saturday evening, "The attempted assassination of President Trump is evidence of the reality of evil in the world."
Former President Donald Trump is shown at left as Secret Service agents usher him off the stage at his Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, July 13. "We thank God for protecting the life of this courageous leader who is a warrior for truth and the friend of Christians everywhere." (AP Photo/Evan Vucci/BrianAJackson via iStock)
He added, "We thank God for protecting the life of this courageous leader who is a warrior for truth and the friend of Christians everywhere."
Jeffress also said via email, "Let’s listen to the Good Shepherd. God is faithful to guide and provide … Jesus has an indestructible hope that is available to everyone. Don’t harden your heart. Reject the narrative of hopelessness. This is our moment to stand up and make a difference. May God heal our land," he said.
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, told Fox News Digital that America needs Jesus right now and that "political violence is not the solution."
"America needs to turn to Jesus, pray for our leaders, repent of our sins, and walk humbly with God." (iStock)
Said Bradley in comments by email, "America needs to turn to Jesus, pray for our leaders, repent of our sins, and walk humbly with God … We need to follow the Prince of Peace. The cure for our nation is still Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life."
He added, "There are many violent symptoms today of how far we have fallen from God’s design for us. Jesus came to bring joy, peace and the abundant life."
"I am forever grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service."
Bradley said the next four months will test America and that this is "our moment to stand up and make a difference."
Reverend Franklin Graham, CEO of both Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared a message on Facebook.
"It’s time for our nation to commit itself to prayer, forgiveness, nonviolence and unity," (iStock)
"Join me in praying for former President Donald J. Trump as it appears gunfire erupted at his Pennsylvania rally and he had to be rushed off the stage. Photos show blood on his ear and face, so it is clear that he was injured," the post said.
Alveda King, founder of Speak for Life and chair of the Center for the American Dream at America First Policy Institute (AFPI), shared gratitude and calls for unity in a statement.
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"I grieve today for the hatred that was displayed tonight as an assassination attempt was made on the life of President Trump. I am forever grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service," she said.
"My prayers are with President Trump, his family and all of America tonight! It’s time for our nation to commit itself to prayer, forgiveness, nonviolence and unity," said King in her statement.
