World Leaders React to Shooting at Donald Trump’s Rally in Pennsylvania
On July 14, a shooting occurred at former US President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was shot in the upper part of his ear, one attendee was killed, and another was injured. Leaders from around the world condemned the violence and wished Trump a speedy recovery.
Reactions from World Leaders
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident ‘concerning and confronting’ and emphasized that there is no place for violence in the democratic process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife expressed their shock and prayed for Trump’s recovery. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was ‘appalled’ by the violence and sent his best wishes to Trump and his family.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya offered her support, stating that ‘violence generates more violence.’ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was ‘sickened’ by the shooting and stressed that political violence is never acceptable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the violence and expressed relief that Trump is safe.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and wished Trump a speedy recovery. Modi emphasized that there is ‘no place for violence in politics.’
Details of the Incident
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Cooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired shots from a rooftop over 130 yards away from the stage. The US Secret Service snipers shot him, and an AR-style rifle was recovered. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, and the FBI is leading the investigation.
Official Statements
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that Trump has left the Butler area and is safe. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers and called for universal condemnation of the violence. The FBI has asked anyone with information to contact their tip line.
The shooting has raised concerns about political violence, with historical data showing that 13 out of 45 US presidents have been subject to assassination attempts.
