Metro East Sun

Michael Butler, Chairman of St. Clair County Republicans, said that the second assassination attempt on President Trump "is a result of radical rhetoric from Kamala Harris and the left, which ought to be denounced publicly." Butler shared his statement with Metro East Sun on September 20.

"The left's extremist rhetoric against President Trump has led to another shocking attempt on his life," said Butler. "Political disagreements and electoral competition should never justify the dehumanization or disrespect of a former president. Kamala Harris and the radical left are willing to weaponize deceit and demonize Donald Trump, but refuse to take responsibility when their base adopts their messaging seriously. Being disturbed by these events is not enough; Harris must denounce this act of violence and the radical messaging that shaped it–extremist rhetoric shapes extremist violence."

According to AP News, the suspect in Trump's second attempted assassination, Ryan Wesley Routh, stayed outside Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach armed with a rifle from 1:59 a.m. to 1:31 p.m. At 1:31 p.m., an agent on Trump’s security team noted a firearm in the golf course bushes 400 to 500 yards from where Trump stood and opened fire. Routh fled but was apprehended and arrested nearby. Based on social media history and voting records, Routh's political leanings shifted from supporting Trump to supporting Democratic candidates and registering as an unaffiliated voter.

In an interview with Fox News following the second attempt on his life, former President Trump said, "Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at when I am the one who is going to save the country, and they are the ones that are destroying the country — both from the inside and out." He added that Biden and Harris are responsible because of a "combination of rhetoric and lawsuits they wrap me up in. These are the things that dangerous fools, like the shooter, listen to — that is the rhetoric they listen to, and the same with the first [assassination attempt]."

Reuters reported on Routh's criminal history. Routh has two prior North Carolina felony convictions, including possession of an unregistered fully automatic gun in 2002 and possession of stolen goods in 2010. Although Routh will likely face further charges, he is currently being held on two counts for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

In a September 15 post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Vice President Harris said, "I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today. As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence. I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partners for their vigilance. As President Biden said, our administration will ensure the secret service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to carry out its critical mission."

Butler, a resident of O'Fallon, was first elected Chair of St. Clair County Republicans in 2024. As Chair, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to St. Clair County voters.