North Shore Louisiana News

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last night, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined CBS and Fox News to discuss the shooting at President Trump’s rally in Butler, PA.

Excerpts from Leader Scalise’s interviews:

Leader Scalise on CBS:

“In the greatest country in the history of the world, we have big political differences. You know, we did 240 years ago when our country started but you know, the way we settle our differences is at the ballot box. That's what makes America unique. We cannot tolerate political violence.”

“And as you mentioned, you know, when I was shot, President Trump came to the hospital that night and, you know, consoled my family. I was in a coma for three days but you know, he and I still talk about that a lot and he was there for me. I reached out to him because I want to be there for him like so many other people want to be there for him – just praying that he's okay.”

“Back then I almost didn't make it through – there were a lot of miracles. But like today, I mean, law enforcement were there for me. I'll never forget David Bailey and Crystal Griner were Capitol Police who both confronted the shooter and were both hit during the shoot-out to secure all of us on that ball field alive. And today you saw, you know, the Secret Service agents immediately rushing to Donald Trump to keep him safe.”

“We've been in constant communication with colleagues, with staff on the Oversight Committee, on some of the other committees, of course. We're checking into some of the reports, you know, was Trump’s Secret Service asking for more secret service for weeks and being denied that? We're looking at that as well.”

“I'm going to be in Milwaukee for the entire convention. I just got word from the RNC that it appears that President Trump is going to be going forward with the schedule as laid out.He’ll I’m sure talk more about what that is. I mean, we were expecting to hear the VP pick rolled out early next week. You know, that's still going to be up to President Trump how that's done, but I haven't heard of any changes in plans.”

“Let's let the next four months be about how to fix and solve those problems in America and not have the incendiary language that unfortunately we're seeing right now.”

“We also need to see a more aggressive attitude when somebody does commit political violence. Today, the shooter was killed. But there's other examples of violence where people were let go, and that's not a good sign. You shouldn't be letting people go that commit political violence because then they're going to just send a message that it's okay to do it and it's not okay.”

Leader Scalise on Fox News:

“In the case of President Trump, you can tell when he was hit; he went down to kind of avoid what was coming; fortunately as you pointed out just that one difference maybe turn of head made all difference in world thank God he's still alive & okay but easily could have gone other way.

“So this is one those days where when God was on ball field with me; think God was there with President Trump Sadly other injuries casualty civilians watching rally.

“I mean we're going have hearings this how could have somebody rooftop? Reports people watched climb roof even alerted authorities we're looking into How could happen all authorities around miss something clear shooter able get line sight just 150 yards away stage?”

“Well want hear how seriously taking threat In case shooting baseball field initially called suicide by cop FBI categorized way shooter's intent kill every one us ball field Yet called suicide by cop offended all us there They weren't trying kill me shooter trying kill every Republican ball field felt wasn't taken seriously way should have been.

“In this case want see very stern serious focus finding out were other people involved planning Are other people still out planning future attacks Was lone gunman What motivations How obviously able get access rooftop Want see very serious focus recognizing assassination attempt leading candidate President United States should taken seriously beefed up security needs follow point forward”

“President Trump thought way left showing strength raising hand clenching fist letting crowd know okay also letting everybody else know 'I'm okay' calm things because last thing need chaos potentially leading candidate president not able follow through He made clear he's fine

"It reminds all such volatile democracy live founding fathers 240 years ago knew always up us preserve future generations There's lot ballot November 5th

“I think President Trump showed strength today people want alarming think came close not having Thank God he's okay”

“[Donald Trump] president four years great economy secure border peace world So all stuff not true hyper-rhetoric thrown months All takes one person unstable act it”