As you know, on Saturday, not far from here in Butler, PA, a tragic and shameful assassination attempt was made on a former president and Republican presidential candidate resulting in the wounding of former President Trump, the killing of Corey Comperatore, and the wounding of David Dutch and James Copenhaver. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families. We must condemn, in the strongest possible manner, this assassination attempt.

These actions were taken at a political rally which is a cornerstone process of our Constitutional Republic as President Trump and all participants were exercising their First Amendment Rights of Freedom of Speech and Expression; a right not given to us by the government but contained in our Constitution’s inalienable rights endowed by our Creator. These rights belong to all of us.

For far too long, we have allowed few, but powerful, influences to divide us; this must end. With strength and honor, we must encourage our fellow citizens to exercise their freedom of speech and all other Constitutional rights yet remain united as Americans.

In the words of one of our nation’s greatest leaders, President Abraham Lincoln, “A house divided cannot stand.”

We, the People, must be the force that keeps this great nation UNITED.

David G. Wortman is mayor of Warren