PROVIDENCE, RI -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed today issued the following statement:

“Political violence is never acceptable and an attack on a presidential candidate like that is an attack on our democracy itself.  Everyone must condemn this assassination attempt.  Elections are settled at the ballot box, not with bullets.  Violence has no place in politics.  Our hearts go out to the innocent bystander who was killed, victims injured in the crowd, and their families.

“This attempted assassination was an ugly, senseless, evil act.

“I hope leaders across the political spectrum will use this opportunity to bring people together instead of letting it tear our country apart. We must move forward with greater unity and resolve.

“I don’t agree with Donald Trump’s proposals for our country, but I hope he can return to the campaign trail soon.  Let the American people hear everything he has to say and then let them make up their own minds and cast their votes.  That is how a great democracy like the United States of America conducts free and fair elections.”