The assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Trump, the Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 election, was injured, sustaining a bloody ear, while a spectator was killed and two others were injured. The shooter, identified as a 20-year-old man, was shot dead by security forces. The FBI has labeled the incident as an 'attempted assassination.'
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her horror, emphasizing that 'political violence has no place in a democracy.' Former President Barack Obama echoed similar sentiments, calling for a renewed commitment to 'decency and respect in our politics.'
Current President Joe Biden, who is also Trump's opponent in the upcoming election, expressed his relief that Trump was not seriously injured and thanked the Secret Service for their swift action. Biden's delayed response, however, has attracted criticism, with some voices calling for Obama to replace him as the Democratic candidate.
US Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the 'heinous act' and warned against further escalation of violence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the attack, with both leaders expressing their relief that Trump is safe and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and a Trump supporter, also wished the former president a speedy recovery. The incident has underscored the deep-seated divisions and heightened tensions in American politics as the country approaches the 2024 election.
