By Jessica Easthope
Former President Donald Trump was officially named the GOP presidential nominee at the Republican National Convention on Monday, just 2 days after surviving an assassination attempt.
On Saturday, in a field in Butler, Pennsylvania, a shot caused chaos. President Trump was grazed by a bullet that was less than an inch from being fatal.
The Holy See united in prayer with US bishops. Church officials across the country, including Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan, swiftly condemned the violent act.
“We have to condemn violence in every form,” Bishop Brennan said. “Violence that afflicts our nation in so many ways. At the same time, we have to condemn the divisions and the rhetoric that raise the level of hatred. Indeed, we are a people of differing viewpoints.”
Meanwhile, as tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected to converge on the National Eucharistic Congress in Indiana, chairman Bishop Andrew Cozzens released his own statement on the shooting, saying:
“We feel privileged to gather in prayer at a time with Our Eucharistic Lord when our country and our world need this peace which comes only from Him. We will pray for healing of all divisions in our land and an end to violence.”
The nation is reacting to an assault on the former president and our democratic process. The family of Corey Comperatore, a Christian and retired firefighter fatally wounded in the shooting, is in mourning. Comperatore was killed while shielding his wife and two daughters from the gunfire. Bishop David Zubick of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, where the shooting took place, commended his actions, saying:
“Corey Comperatore’s selfless act in the face of danger speaks to his strength of character, deep faith, and dedication to serving others,” Bishop Zubick “On behalf of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones. We join in prayer that they may feel wrapped in the comfort and love of Jesus.”