The Center Responds to Shooting at Former President Trump's Rally

We are deeply saddened by the shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. We’re relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured. Political violence and gun violence are never acceptable in any form. Our thoughts are with all victims and their loved ones, especially the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed while shielding his wife and daughters from gunfire.  

The Center’s 2023 report, Defending Democracy called attention to the rising threat of political violence and offered recommendations to prevent future threats including openly denouncing violence. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent such acts of violence. As we await further details about the incident, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for evidence-based policies that address the root causes of gun violence and promote the safety and well-being of all communities. 

At the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, we strive to create a society where political discourse can occur without fear of violence. More than 48,000 people died from gun violence in 2022. The Center promotes evidence-based policies and programs shown to reduce multiple forms of violence. Together, we can work towards a future where such senseless acts of violence are a thing of the past.