World leaders speak out after Donald Trump's attempted assassination in Pennsylvania

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By Nasima Khatun

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World leaders have banded together to condemn the attempted assassination of Donald Trump after a recent rally ended in tragic fatalities.

Over the weekend, the former president of the United States was rushed off stage after shots were fired from the crowd at his rally in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

Video footage of the incident shows Trump being covered by security personnel after a bullet grazed past his ear six minutes into his speech, leaving him with streaks of blood coming down his face.

While he was being led off the stage and back into his car, the 78-year-old could be seen raising a fist of defiance, letting his followers know that he had survived the attack.

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At least one spectator was killed and two others were critically wounded, according to reports after the incident.

The shooter, who has now been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by the FBI and upon further investigation, a firearm was confiscated from a property he was linked to.

Taking to Truth Social after the attack, Trump updated his followers on his condition.

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," he wrote in a statement. "Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country."

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He continued: "Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.

"Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening," he added before concluding: "God bless America."

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In the wake of the attack, many world leaders have taken to condemn what took place at Trump's rally, including French President, Emmanuel Macron, who stated: "France shares the shock and indignation of the American people."

The leader of Ireland, Simon Harris also took to X to condemn the attack writing: "What we saw last night from Pennsylvania was frightening and wrong."

"It is a relief that former President Trump is safe and survived the assassination attempt. Our hearts are with the innocent spectators killed and critically injured. There can be no place for political violence," he added.

The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also posted a statement on the social media platform, stating that he was "appalled to learn about the shooting of former U.S. President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he continued. "I am relieved to learn that Donald Trump is now safe and wish him a speedy recovery. My condolences go out to the close ones of this attack’s victim, a rally attendee.

"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this," he added.

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Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, also chimed into the conversation saying: "Sweden condemns the terrible attack in Pennsylvania. My thoughts go out to those who have been affected and to their families. Sweden stands behind the United States and wishes Donald Trump a speedy recovery."

The president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said: "We are following with concern the treacherous incident faced by former US President and presidential candidate Donald Trump, and affirm Egypt’s condemnation of the incident. I express my wishes for President Trump’s speedy recovery and for the US election campaign to continue in a peaceful and healthy environment, devoid of any appearances of terrorism, violence or hatred."

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is following the news from Pennsylvania with “apprehension” and extended her best wishes for a "speedy recovery" to Trump.

South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, posted on X: “I am appalled by the hideous act of political violence. I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery. The people of Korea stand in solidarity with the people of America.”

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Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, also took to X to write: “I am appalled to learn of the shooting incident during former President Trump’s rally. We are strongly concerned and do not tolerate such forms of violence. On behalf of the Thai people, I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are also with the injured and affected families.”

 Philippine President Ferdinand 'BobgBong' Marcos Jr added: “It is with great relief that we receive the news that former President Donald Trump is fine and well after the attempt to assassinate him. Our 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.”

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Trump's presidential rival and current President of the United States Joe Biden also addressed the situation in a tweet, writing: "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

 "Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it." he concluded.

Featured Image Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty