South Georgia reacts to Trump rally shooting

ALBANY, Ga. – In Southwest Georgia, these events are resonating deeply as residents prepare to vote in this year’s presidential election.

Our CBS 44 News team has spoken with community members to get their reactions to these events.

“First of all, I want to say that it’s appalling. And, we send our sympathies to the families with their losses. Particularly the father, and those who were injured. There’s no place in our society for crime in anywhere. Even in our political sphere…” said Will Davis, Chairman, GA Democrats, 2nd Congressional District.

“So, when I first seen the pictures that were posted on Facebook, I didn’t realize what was going on. I knew something was, so I turned the television on, and I saw it. And, I was kind of, I guess like most everybody else, very, very, very shocked that something like that would happen,” said Tom Gieryic, owner, Gieryic’s Automotive.

“I absolutely don’t think it was staged. I’ve got my own opinion about the shooter, but that’s my opinion, not based on any fact. That was too close of a call to be staged. The only one that intervened with that was God. He’s the only one that could have made that bullet go where is was was, you know, designed to go,” said Gieryic.

“Our country is more politically divided now than it has been. I’m 60 years old, I’ve never seen this environment and in politics. And, it’s okay to disagree with people and not not agree with their view of a person or their programs and all of that. That’s okay. But, you don’t take it to that next level. You know, it’s scary times,” said Gieryic.

“I think you’re going to see a lot more local law enforcement, possibly even National Guard presence to make the event as safe as possible, because people should be able to go to an event with their families and they should feel safe. You know, I hate it so bad for the two others, they got wounded and the gentleman that got killed. I mean, we know they weren’t the targets, but when you’re shooting into a crowd like that, that stuff is going to happen. So, it’s very, very, very sad. I see a very heightened possibility of them limiting how many people can go to events,” said Gieryic.

In addition to these developments, a Florida Judge, Aileen Cannon, has dismissed the classified documents case against the former President.

Trump also announced on social media today that he has chosen Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to join him as Vice President candidate on the Republican ticket.

Copyright 2024 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.