HONG KONG (AP) — Global leaders have expressed concern Sunday over an assassination attempt targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania that left one attendee dead and critically injured two others, with many condemning the violence that shocked the world.
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive Republican nominee was doing “fine” after being whisked off the stage though the shooting pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The Secret Service said it killed the suspected shooter who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
U.S. authorities are still investigating the shooting.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attempted assassination as an inexcusable attack on the United States and Australia’s shared democratic values.
“In Australia, as in the United States, the essence and the purpose of our democracies is that we can express our views, debate our disagreements and resolve our differences peacefully,” Albanese told reporters in the Australian Parliament House.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on social media platform X that he was appalled by the attempt and wished Trump a quick and full recovery.
“Political violence has no place in our society! My thoughts are with all the victims of this attack!” he said.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on X that the attack must be “strongly repudiated” by all democracy defenders and dialogue in politics, calling the incident unacceptable.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X saying that he was sickened by the shooting and his thoughts were with Trump, those at the event and all Americans.
“It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable,” he wrote.
Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that China is concerned about the attack and President Xi Jinping has already extended his regards to Trump.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala strongly condemned the attack and wished Trump a fast recovery.
Egyptian President Abdelfattah El Sissi expressed concern and stressed his country's condemnation of the attack in a statement.
“I express my wishes for Trump’s speedy recovery and for the US election campaigns to be resumed in a peaceful and healthy atmosphere, free of any aspects 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.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas posted on X saying she was shocked by the shooting and her thoughts were with the victims. “Political violence in any form has no justification,” she wrote.
French President Emmanuel Macron sent his wishes to Trump for a prompt recovery. “It is a drama for our democracies. France shares the indignation of the American people,” he posted on X.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on X that the attack shocked him and he was glad to hear that Trump seemed to be doing well. He strongly condemned the assault and any act of political violence.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on X saying the attack was “despicable” and such violent acts threaten democracy. “My compassionate thoughts are also with the other people who were hurt in the attack,” he said.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban said his thoughts and prayers were with Trump “in these dark hours" on X.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X that he was deeply concerned by "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 family of the deceased, those injured and the American people.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said on X that he condemned “utterly and unequivocally” the attempt on Trump's life and wished him a fast recovery on behalf of all the Israeli people, adding their thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni wished Trump a quick recovery and said in a statement she hoped "the next few 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 challenges democracy. I pray for former President Trump’s speedy recovery,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on X.
Mexico’s president Andrés Manuel López Obrador denounced the attack on X and said “violence is irrational and inhumane.”
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol said on X that he was appalled by “the hideous act” of political violence. He added the people of Korea stand in solidarity with Americans.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country condemned “the terrible attack" and his thoughts were with the victims and their families. “Sweden stands behind the United States and wish Donald Trump a speedy recovery,” he said.
Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te wished Trump a speedy recovery and said his thoughts and prayers are with Trump on X. He said political violence of any form is never acceptable “in our democracies" and offered his condolences to the victims.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was relieved to learn that Trump is fine on X and 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 appalled to learn about the shooting, saying such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. He added he was relieved to learn that Trump is safe.
Zelenskyy extended his wishes for strength to everyone who was horrified by the event. “I wish America emerges stronger from this,” he said.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he was appalled 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.
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Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.
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