State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, a Republican lawmaker representing Butler and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania, criticized the national media for blaming local law enforcement and first responders for the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Bernstine emphasized that the breakdown in security was the fault of the U.S. Secret Service and not the local agencies. He stated that local first responders did everything right and took necessary precautions, but the failure was from a tactical and communication standpoint by the Secret Service. In the aftermath of the incident, Bernstine’s office has been dealing with an increase in constituent issues as various parties converge on northwest Pennsylvania.
Despite the criticisms and increased attention, Bernstine expressed pride in representing the people of his conservative district. He clarified that the security failure had nothing to do with local law enforcement, as they followed all protocols. Bernstine and the state Legislature had initially planned to hold hearings regarding the rally incident but have since decided against it due to Congressman Mike Kelly and House Speaker Mike Johnson leading investigations. 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 believes that sufficient resources have been allocated to the federal investigation and is ready to provide support from Harrisburg if needed.
After years of Republican control, the Pennsylvania House now has a one-seat Democratic majority, while the GOP maintains control of the state Senate. Bernstine, elected during what he described as the 2016 Trump wave, invited the former president back to his district once he is ready. He expressed the community’s willingness to host a large, secure rally for President Trump in the future. Trump recently held his first Pennsylvania event since the assassination attempt at the Pennsylvania Farm Show complex, drawing a massive crowd to hear him speak. Bernstine also mentioned honoring Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter who lost his life in the shooting, and recognized the burden that the incident has placed on the community.
Bernstine praised the efforts of the House Republicans in directing resources towards the investigation and ensuring that such an incident never happens again. He highlighted the community support for both local initiatives and congressional investigations to understand the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt. Despite the challenges faced by the community and the nation as a whole, Bernstine emphasized the importance of standing together, supporting those affected, and working towards preventing similar incidents in the future. He underscored the need for continued collaboration between local, state, and federal authorities to address security vulnerabilities and maintain the safety and well-being of the community.
