MARS, Pa. – A Pennsylvania state legislator representing the area that includes the Butler Farm Show grounds criticized the national media for wrongly blaming local law enforcement and first responders following the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump.
State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, a Republican from Butler and Lawrence counties, stated on Saturday that the media has unjustly targeted Butler County and nearby agencies, asserting that any issues regarding security failures should be directed at the U.S. Secret Service.
“Our first responders have been unfairly criticized by the national media. This is completely inappropriate,” Bernstine told Fox News Digital. “These individuals executed their duties and took all necessary precautions. The failures here stem from tactical and communication shortcomings on the part of the United States Secret Service.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, Bernstine mentioned that his office has been addressing an increase in constituent concerns as federal agencies, the press, and lawmakers gather in northwest Pennsylvania.
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Former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is rushed offstage during a rally in Butler, Pa., July 13. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“That being said, we have wonderful people here. (It is) a fantastic conservative area. I couldn’t be more honored to represent these individuals,” Bernstine stated.
“The events that unfolded were not a reflection of our local law enforcement. Our local law enforcement executed all procedures as requested. We are incredibly proud of their efforts. The security lapse was entirely due to the United States Secret Service.”
He also noted that he and the state Legislature, which is currently not in session, initially aimed to conduct hearings following the tragic rally, but reconsidered based on congressional actions.
“Congressman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., are committed to investigating what happened to ensure it never recurs,” he explained, pointing out that Johnson’s prompt action following the incident suggested that Harrisburg’s involvement may not be necessary.
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U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., speaks to the press July 22, in Butler, Pa. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
“Initially, we planned to hold hearings where we would summon individuals to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. However, my perspective on that has changed,” he remarked.
Kelly, who represents Butler and Erie, participated in a bipartisan congressional tour of the rally site and is now heading a House task force investigating the attempted assassination.
Bernstine indicated that he and other legislators believe that federal House Republicans have allocated ample resources for their investigation, but many lawmakers in Harrisburg are willing to assist if needed.
After years of total Republican governance, the Pennsylvania House now has a narrow Democratic majority, while the GOP continues to hold a solid majority in the state Senate.
Bernstine, who was first elected during what he termed the 2016 Trump wave, has welcomed the GOP nominee back to his district whenever he is ready.
“Considering the events that unfolded — words can’t fully capture the challenge our community has faced — we invite President Trump back. We eagerly anticipate his return,” he expressed.
“We are planning a substantial rally that will be extremely secure for President Trump.”
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Pennsylvania state Rep. Aaron Bernstine represents parts of Lawrence and Butler counties. (Office of State Rep. Aaron Bernstine/Pennsylvania House of Representatives)
Last week, Trump held his first event in Pennsylvania since the shooting, addressing a large crowd at the Pennsylvania Farm Show complex located west of Harrisburg.
During his speech, the former president remarked that the scale of the crowd and the venue reminded him of Madison Square Garden, a similar site for large gatherings.
In his interview, Bernstine also honored Corey Comperatore, the Butler-area firefighter who lost his life due to the actions of attempted assassin Thomas Crooks.
“[He was] a valued member of our community who contributed so much,” Bernstine remarked. “This incident has significantly impacted our community and the whole nation. That’s why I’ve worked diligently to — First and foremost — support our community.
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“Furthermore, [we must] support Congressional efforts to discern what happened, the reasons behind it, who was involved, and the steps necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
