Trump shot at rally, leaders express shock to assassination attempt

By Ologeh Joseph Chibu

World leaders expressed shock and condemnation following an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump during an election rally. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the death of one bystander and left two other spectators critically wounded.

Europe

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, denounced the attack, calling it an “unacceptable act of violence against political representatives.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror at the incident, stating that “political violence in any form has no place in our societies.”

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended his “thoughts and prayers” to Trump during “these dark hours.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following updates from Pennsylvania, wished Trump a speedy recovery and hoped for “dialogue and responsibility” to prevail over hate and violence during the electoral campaign.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the shooting and wished Trump a quick recovery, emphasizing that “such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world.”

America

Argentina’s President Javier Milei blamed the “international left” for the attack, accusing them of resorting to terrorism in fear of losing at the polls.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for a strong condemnation of the shooting by all defenders of democracy and political dialogue.

Costa Rica’s government condemned the attack, stressing its commitment to democracy and peace.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric issued an “unqualified condemnation” of the shooting, highlighting that violence threatens democracies and weakens societal cohesion.

Bolivian President Luis Arce, despite deep ideological differences, rejected violence from any source.

Asia Pacific

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the attack on his friend, Trump, and reiterated that violence has no place in politics and democracies.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned political attacks, urging a firm stand against any form of violence that challenges democracy.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te offered condolences to the shooting victims and stated that political violence is never acceptable in democracies.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed shock and relief that Trump was safe, condemning the attack as an assault on democratic values shared by Australians and Americans.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Luxon echoed these sentiments, stating that no country should encounter such political violence.

Middle East

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara, expressed their shock and prayed for Trump’s safety and speedy recovery.

Source AFP