First on Fox: In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, the Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally Saturday evening, “I join millions of Americans and people around the world in expressing shock. those who are thanking god Former President Donald Trump is safe. It’s clear God’s hand of protection was upon him.”
He added, “I believe all of this reminds us of the importance of prayer today and in the days to come.”
After shots were fired and the Secret Service covered Trump on the stage floor, the former president punched the crowd after standing up again and was then carried off stage. He was taken to a medical facility and was then declared “safe.”
Graham also said“Donald Trump has fought for America with all his might — his time, his energy, his money — and now, as one of his sons pointed out, he has bled for America. Even with blood running down his face, he urged the crowd to keep fighting for America as he left the rally.”
He said in his statement to Fox News Digital, “As Christians we know The most powerful way we can fight is to get down on our knees and pray. God is the only hope for our nation and for us as individuals.”
Republican presidential nominee Former President Donald Trump is carried off stage by US Secret Service agents after he was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“We also pray for the family of the man who was tragically killed and for those who were seriously injured,” Graham said.
Other Faith leaders and clergy People from across the country have also shared their condolences and prayers with Fox News Digital for the former president and all those caught up in the violence in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
‘Sign of a divided nation’
“The shooting of President Trump was horrific, shocking — and yet not surprising. It’s a sign of how divided our country has become,” Jonathan Cahn, a New York Times bestselling author who lives in New York City, told Fox News Digital via email late Saturday.
![mother and little girl holding hands](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/04/1200/675/pray.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Faith leaders and clergy across the country have shared with Fox News Digital their condolences and prayers for the former president and all those caught up in the violence in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. (iStock)
Kahn said, “According to scripture, such acts of bloodshed are a sign of a nation in danger. We must pray for the victims, their families, Donald Trump, and America.”
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He added, “America has become a house divided. And according to the Word of God, a house divided cannot stand.” Cahan’s upcoming book is “The Dragon’s Prophecy: Israel, the Dark Resurrection, and the End of Days.”
‘Turn to your Creator’
“It sounds easy to say our thoughts and prayers are with President Trump, but that’s exactly what happens,” Alex McFarland, founder and president of Alex McFarland Ministries, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
![Donald Trump gestures with a bloodied face as multiple shots are fired during a campaign rally](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/07/1200/675/Donald-Trump-Butler-PA-Shooting_54.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump is assisted by US Secret Service personnel after gunfire was heard during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)
He further said, “It is difficult but absolutely necessary for us to read the signs of the times and take steps to repent of our sins and turn from our evil ways.”
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“Moments like these motivate us to turn to our Creator and Savior on behalf of our families, our country, and our nation’s leaders.”
‘God Have Mercy’
“The hateful sentiment of the atheist segment of our society failed to bring down President Trump today,” Katie Talento, executive director of The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries, based in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital.
“Our hearts are sad for the country, but we are saddened by their courage in the face of evil. May God have mercy,” he said.
‘Recommit yourself to changing things’
Craig Huey, a speaker, commentator and author based in Nashville, Tennessee, told Fox News Digital, “America should be praying for President Trump and his family, and the innocent victim who was killed at Trump’s rally. We need to rededicate ourselves to changing our culture and politics.”
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He said that “on Sunday churches across America should call on America to repent and give thanks to God that Trump survived the assassination attempt.”