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ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) today released the following statement about the shooting at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania over the weekend:

“I remain horrified and saddened by the attempted assassination of former President Trump and the murder of Corey Comperatore at a rally in Butler, PA over the weekend. These expressions of pure hate serve no political ideology but nihilism. All Americans must stand united in rejecting this heinous act and all acts of political violence.

“This moment requires calm, sober leadership and I stand with the voices on all sides who are currently working to lower the temperature of our political debate.

“To be clear, civil discussion, debate, and disagreement are all hallmarks of a healthy society. The stakes of this election remain high — and I will never shy away from discussing those stakes. But, however strong our convictions, however fervent our beliefs, we must never let our rhetoric get so heated as to incite those who might resort to violence. We all have a solemn responsibility to promote a healthier discourse, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously.

“As tensions remain high ahead of a defining national moment in November, let us always remember that the ties that bind us together as Americans will always remain stronger than the forces trying to tear us apart. With love for our neighbor, for our communities, and our country, we move forward.”