Local residents expressed shock over the shooting at Donald Trump political rally Saturday.

Jessica Tirpak and her three sons were shopping in Allentown when they heard the news about Trump.

The family frequently attends Trump rallies and were among the thousands in attendance in Schnecksville in April.

Her son Hunter, now 10, was recognized as Baby Trump and made national news in 2016. He was dressed as Trump and ended up on stage with the candidate.

Eight years later he has grown into “The Trump Kid.”

As part of Team Trump, they have special parking passes and VIP seating.

When the phone rang Saturday with the news the boys immediately started watching coverage on their phone.

Tirpak said she had more than 20 messages from friends asking if she was at the rally.

When they returned home, they sat in silence and watched the coverage. Tirpak said they were encouraged when Trump raised his fist to show supporters he was OK and would still fight. “That just highlights why I like him,” she said.

She asked her sons if they would be afraid to attend another rally.

Hunter said he still wanted to go, but was concerned about safety.

Tirpak said, “The world is a scary place. The kids have to deal with something they shouldn’t have to be dealing with.”

Her family is very involved in sports in Tamaqua school district and politics. “Every family has their thing” Tirpak said. “We’re sports and politics.

She said if the boys were scared they would not attend more rallies, but after talking to them she added, “I don’t think it’s a deterrent for us.”

The Schuylkill County Democratic Committee released a statement in reaction to the shooting incident.

Todd Zimmerman, chairman, said, the committee “strongly condemns ALL forms of political violence. Candidates should be able to assemble freely as a form of freedom of speech. Americans should feel safe attending political rallies, church services, and musical concerts. We need to dial back the rhetoric on both sides, and fight this battle at the ballot box as we have for over two centuries.”

Larry Padora, Chairman, Schuylkill County Commissioners, posted Saturday to his personal Facebook page: “This type of hatred has no place in this country. I stand with Trump tonight more than ever before. Prayers to our president, all the people that lost their lives, and their families.”

Bishop Alfred Schlert, Allentown diocese, also condemned the violence.

“Violence that strikes at presidential candidates of any party is a grave threat to our democratic process,” he said. I invite all citizens to pray for former President Trump, and for those killed, injured, and traumatized. May God bless our Nation with peace and civility.”

State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, also asked for prayer Saturday night on his Facebook page. “Pray for President Donald Trump, pray for the Secret Service and their bravery, pray for the families of those injured and pray for our beloved nation,” he posted.

State Rep. Jamie Barton, R-Schuylkill, posted, “Please pray for the people who were killed and injured; and please pray for our Commonwealth and these United States of America.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags to fly at half-staff in recognition of the tragedy that occurred at a rally for former President Trump in Butler County Saturday and in honor of Corey Comperatore, a Butler County husband and father who was killed while attending the event.

The governor also extends the prayers of all Pennsylvanians to the two Pennsylvanians who remain in critical condition and their families.

Marta Gouger, Jarrad Hedes and Jill Whalen contributed to this report.