Indian-American lawmakers and community organizations condemned the attack on the Republican Presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump, who was shot at at a political rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “There is no room for political violence in our democracy.”
Since the attack coming on the eve of the Republican National Convention (RNC), Congressman Krishnamoorthi urged that “Congress must receive an intelligence briefing on this incident as well as briefings from federal agencies on reducing the possibility of such violence going forward,” while underscoring that it is essential that immediate action be taken to prevent future attacks and ensure the public is fully informed about the event.
“Violence is never acceptable in our democracy. I pray he was not seriously hurt and for our deeply divided nation,” said Congressman Ro Khanna.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said, “The United States is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is completely unacceptable.”
“Political violence has no place in our country— period,” said Congressman Dr. Ami Bera adding that he condemns the “cowardly act in the strongest terms.”
“My thoughts are with former President Trump and the Trump family. Violence like this has no place in our nation,” said Congressman Shri Thanedar.
“This should horrify every freedom loving American. Violence against presidential candidates must never be normalized,” said former Republican Presidential Candidate, Nikki Haley.
Haley called for “unity” among Republicans during the RNC from July 15-19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She termed Joe Biden as “not competent to serve a second term” and Vice President Kamala Harris “a disaster for America.”
Haley who disagreed with former President Trump on many fronts and even gave a strong fight during the Republican primary added “We need a president who will hold our enemies to account, secure our border, cut our debt, and get our economy back on track” while urging her delegates to support former President Trump during the RNC.
Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller said, “The violence that occurred today to former President Trump is unacceptable. We are better than this.”
Former Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal said, “If Dems want to help restore political civility, they can stop prosecuting their political opponents and claiming opposing them is opposing democracy” adding those tactics work in the “Third World,” not in the US.
Indian-American Organizations react
Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said, “At this moment of national reckoning as gruesome political violence visits our republic, we at the Hindu American Foundation, pray that peace, unity and love prevail and bind us closer together.”
HAF urged “Americans to eschew violence in thought, word and deed and uphold the universal dharma principles of virtuous living, mutual respect and pluralism.”
Condemning the attack on former President Trump, American Hindu Coalition (AHC) said AHC hopes “he recovers fast and begins campaigning.”
United States Hindu Alliance (USHA) said, “USHA requests all Hindu Organizations to condemn the attack on Donald Trump, a former President and 2024 Presidential candidate. Such incidences have an impact on global peace and stability.”
Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) condemned the “cowardly assassination attempt on former President Trump” and demanded a swift investigation into the matter.
“We request all fellow citizens and leaders to be calm, united and have faith in democratic values,” added FIIDS.
Indian-American businessman Ajay Bhutoria said, “Violence should never occur in our democracy.”
“This moment calls for us to come together as a nation, setting aside our differences to support our leaders and our country,” said Chair of Virginia Asian Advisory Board, Srilekha Palle. “President Trump has been a strong advocate for the values that make America great, and it is imperative that we uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, and justice during this challenging time.”
