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STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK Republicans took to the streets Sunday afternoon in the aftermath of an apparent assassination attempt at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania that left a firefighter dead and injured two others. Former President Donald Trump said the bullet grazed his ear during the Saturday night campaign rally. “With what happened yesterday we decided we had to do something to show our support,” said Andrea Parker, a Blaine County Republican precinct committee person.
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Cian and Saoirse Parker led the march.
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About 40 men, women and children began the march from Hailey’s skatepark down Main Street past Contemporary Cottage. Two people on horses joined in as they began the march. Children waved little American flags while adults carried Trump 2020 signs and “Appeal to Heaven” and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags. Occasional honks from motorists passing by elicited cheers. “I’m here to show my support for Mr. Trump,” said Julie Lynn, who was dressed to the hilt in a red jacket, Trump T-shirt, red white and blue buff and a red Make American Great hat. “It’s a horrible thing what happened and I hope Americans can come together and be able to have a conversation without slandering one another.” Eric Parker, Republican state committeeman from Blaine County echoed her thoughts.
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Eric Parker and his children Cian and Saoirse Parker were among those taking part in Sunday’s rally.
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“We should denounce all forms of political violence,” he said. “The pendulum swings further and further each time. I’m not sure how we can come back from this. I’ve been processing all night how we might be able to get past this.” In Ketchum, where Blaine County Democrats were holding their annual summer picnic, retired Dist. 26 Sen. Michelle Stennett lamented with sadness "the latest shooting of Mr. Trump and innocent victims." "Gun violence should never be tolerated at anytime," she told those gathered. Hailey resident Helen Stone echoed her sentiments: "It's a sad state of affairs. I never thought it would come to this."
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Andrea Parker led Saoirse across the street.
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Investigators have said that the 20-year-old Pennsylvania shooter, who was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene, did not to appear to have connections to foreign countries. A registered Republican, officials said he appeared to act alone. No motive has been identified. In response to the shooting President Biden spoke with Trump and ordered a review of security measures for the Republican National Convention, which begins today in Milwaukee. Biden expressed gratitude that Trump was safe and asked Americans to “unite as one nation to demonstrate who we are.”
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The parade moves past Blaine Manor.
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