In a shocking turn of events, former US President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night. The incident, which resulted in one bystander’s death and critically injured two other spectators, has sparked widespread condemnation from world leaders.
Europe Responds
European Union
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was among the first to denounce the attack. “Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives,” he stated, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror at the events. “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies,” Starmer emphasized, extending his thoughts to the victims.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed, “My thoughts are with President Donald Trump, the victim of an assassination attempt. I send him my wishes for a speedy recovery. A spectator has died, several are injured. It is a tragedy for our democracies. France shares the shock and indignation of the American people.”
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the attack “despicable.” He wished Trump a speedy recovery and extended his thoughts to those affected by the attack. “Such acts of violence threaten democracy,” he added.
Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban offered his “thoughts and prayers” to Trump, referring to “these dark hours.”
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her hope that “dialogue and responsibility can prevail over hate and violence” in the coming months of the electoral campaign.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also condemned the violence, stressing that such acts have “no justification and no place anywhere in the world.”
The Americas’ Outcry
Argentina
Argentina’s President Javier Milei blamed the “international left” for the attack, suggesting it was a desperate attempt to influence the election. “In panic of losing at the polls, they resort to terrorism to impose their backward and authoritarian agenda,” he claimed.
Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for a united front against such violence. “The shooting must be strongly condemned by all defenders of democracy and political dialogue,” he said.
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”
Chile
Chilean President Gabriel Boric offered his “unqualified condemnation” of the shooting, highlighting the threat violence poses to democracies.
Bolivia
Bolivian President Luis Arce echoed these sentiments, stating that “violence, wherever it comes from, must always be rejected by everyone.”
Asia Pacific’s Solidarity
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the attack on his “friend.” “Violence has no place in politics and democracies,” Modi asserted, wishing Trump a speedy recovery.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also spoke out, emphasizing the need to “stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy.”
Taiwan
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te extended his “sincere condolences” to the victims, stating that political violence is never acceptable.
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his shock and relief that Trump was safe. “This was an inexcusable attack on the democratic values that Australians and Americans share,” Albanese said.
New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon echoed these views, writing “no country should encounter such political violence.”
Middle Eastern Leaders React
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara expressed their shock at the “apparent attack” on Trump. “We pray for his safety and speedy recovery,” Netanyahu said.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates condemned the violence, reaffirming their rejection of all forms of political violence.
Qatar
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and rejected violent and criminal acts “including political assassinations, regardless of the motives and reasons.”
Africa Calls for Peace
Egypt
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemned the attack, calling for a peaceful election campaign devoid of “terrorism, violence or hatred.”
Asia
Russia
The Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while Russia did not believe the current U.S. administration was responsible for the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, it had created an atmosphere that provoked the attack.
NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated, “I wish him a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with those affected. I condemn this attack. Political violence has no place in our democracies. NATO Allies stand together to defend our freedom & values.”
Moving Forward
As investigations continue, the international community remains united in its condemnation of the attack and support for democratic processes. The FBI and Pennsylvania state law enforcement officials are working together to uncover the motive behind the shooting, ensuring that justice is served.
Despite the traumatic event, former President Trump has affirmed his commitment to continue his campaign and attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers political figures face and the importance of upholding democratic principles.
Global Outpouring
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump has elicited a global outpouring of support and condemnation of political violence. As the investigation unfolds, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges to democratic processes and the resilience required to safeguard them.
