World leaders have condemned the assassination attempt on former President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump during a political rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Ten minutes into his speech, shots were fired, hitting former President Trump’s right ear and causing blood to streak down his face.
The attack comes just before the Republic National Convention (RNC), scheduled for July 15-18, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where President Trump is expected to be nominated to be nominee of the Republican party.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. In a statement, the FBI said, “This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
After the attack, former President Trump urged Americans to “stand United, and show our True Character.”
Former First Lady, Melania Trump said “When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband.”
President Joe Biden in a televised statement said “Look, there’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick, it’s sick. It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country. You cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this” adding the notion of such violence occurring in America is simply unimaginable.
President Biden who was in Delaware for the weekend returned to the White House and has been continuously briefed on the developing situation.
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said he was “shocked and saddened” and that “there is no place for political violence in America and we must all condemn it.”
Senate Majority Leader said he was “horrified by what happened” and reiterated “Political violence has no place in our country.” Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, said “Violence has no place in our politics.”
World Leaders React
Strongly condemning the attack, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump.” PM Modi added “Violence has no place in politics and democracies” wishing the former President a speedy recovery.
Leader of Opposition, India’s Lower House, Rahul Gandhi, said “I am deeply concerned by the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. Such acts must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari noted, “Violence has no place in politics,” while Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif said, “This is a shocking development,” and that he condemns political violence.
“We condemn the assassination attempt and indeed all forms of violence in politics and Democracies” said 13th President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi.
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau said “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “It is a drama for our democracies. France shares the indignation of the American people.”
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said, “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies.”
United Nations and NATO
A Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres said the UNSG “unequivocally condemns the act of political violence that took place in Pennsylvania on Saturday.”
NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg said “I am shocked by the attempted assassination on former President Trump. I condemn this attack. Political violence has no place in our democracies,” adding that NATO allies “stand together to defend our freedom and values.”
