Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders condemned the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump on Saturday during a election rally in Pennsylvania's Butler. The bullet grazed the former president's ear, following which the Secret Service neutralised thesuspect. The suspect was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who hails from Bethel Park, 40 miles from the location of the shooting. The motive was yet to be confirmed. Police are looking at multiple angles and whether anyone else is involved in the attack.
Modi posted on X that “violence has no place in politics and democracies” and wished Trump speedy recovery. Strongly condemning the incident, the PM said, “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump... Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people.”
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US President Joe Biden said there’s no place for this kind of violence in America, adding that the nation should stand together to condemn such acts. “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally... Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety,” he added.
Former US President Barack Obama echoed Biden's words, saying there is absolutely no place for political violence in “our democracy”. “We should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” he said, adding that “Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.” Michelle Obama also reposted his post.
Newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his shock, saying, “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.” He added that political violence in any form has no place in our societies.
ALSO READ: Trump shot: Chilling photo shows bullet flying past ex-president's head after piercing his ear
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X, saying he and his wife are praying for Trump's safety and recovery. “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump.” he added.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is sickened by the shooting in the neighbouring country. “It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans,” he posted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed his shock and said he is relieved that Trump is safe. He added that he is saddened by the loss of life and injuries during the shooting. “This inexcusable act goes against our democratic values,” he said, echoing other world leaders.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Trump and wished him speedy recovery, hoping that the next few months of the electoral campaign will see dialogue and responsibility prevail over hatred and violence. "I am following with apprehension the updates from Pennsylvania, where the 45th President of the United States was shot during a rally," she said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the shooting was “unacceptable” and that the attack against former President Donald Trump must be vehemently repudiated by all defenders of democracy and dialogue in politics.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prayed for Trump's speedy recovery, saying “we must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy. I pray for former President Trump’s speedy recovery.”
