HONG KONG — World leaders on Sunday expressed concern about an attempted murder aimed at former American president Donald Trump at a meeting in Pennsylvania in which one participant was killed and two others seriously injured. Many condemned the violence that shocked the world.
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive Republican nominee was “fine” after he was carried from the stage, though the bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The Secret Service says they have killed the suspected gunman who attacked from a high position outside the meeting venue.
US authorities are still investigating the shooting.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attempted assassination, calling it an unforgivable attack on the democratic values shared by the United States and Australia.
“In Australia, as in the United States, the essence and purpose of our democracies is that we can express our views, discuss our disagreements and resolve our differences peacefully,” Albanese told reporters at the Australian parliament building.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on the social media platform X that he was shocked by the attack and wished Trump a speedy and full recovery.
“Political violence has no place in our society! My thoughts are with all the victims of this attack!” he said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on X that the attack “must be strongly rejected” by all defenders of democracy and dialogue in politics. He called the incident unacceptable.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on X that he was disgusted by the shooting and that his thoughts were with Trump, those who attended the event and all Americans.
“It cannot be stressed enough: political violence is never acceptable,” he wrote.
Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sissi expressed his concern and stressed in a statement that his country condemns the attack.
“I express my wishes for Trump’s speedy recovery and for the US election campaigns to resume in a peaceful and healthy atmosphere, free from any form of terrorism, violence or hatred,” he said.
El Salvador’s presidential palace said President Nayib Bukele condemned the “assassination attempt” on Trump.
“There is no place for violence in a democracy,” the president’s office said in a press release posted on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron sent his wishes to Trump for a speedy recovery. “It is a tragedy for our democracies. France shares the indignation of the American people,” he posted on X.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he was deeply concerned about “the attack on my friend”.
“Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, the injured and the American people.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on X that he condemned the attempt on Trump’s life “completely and unequivocally” and wished him a speedy recovery on behalf of all Israeli people. His thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Trump a speedy recovery and said in a statement that she hoped “the coming months of the election campaign will see dialogue and responsibility prevail over hatred and violence.”
“We must stand firm against any form of violence that endangers democracy. I pray for the speedy recovery of former President Trump,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on X.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador condemned the attack on X, saying “violence is irrational and inhuman.”
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on X that he was shocked by “the heinous act” of political violence, adding that the people of Korea stand in solidarity with the Americans.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te wished Trump a speedy recovery and said his thoughts and prayers are with Trump on X. He said political violence in any form is never acceptable “in our democracies” and expressed his condolences to the victims.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was relieved to hear that Trump is doing well on X and that his thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
“Together with all democracy-loving peoples around the world, we condemn all forms of political violence. The voice of the people must always remain supreme,” he said.
Also on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was shocked to hear about the shooting, saying such violence has no justification and has no place anywhere in the world. He added that he was relieved to hear that Trump is safe.
Zelenskyy wished strength to all those shocked by the event. “I hope America will come out of this stronger,” he said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he was shocked by the “shocking scenes” and sent his best wishes to Trump and his family.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack,” he said.
___
Associated Press journalists from around the world contributed to this report.
