Global Leaders Respond to Shooting at Trump Rally

Global leaders expressed dismay and condemnation following an assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, which resulted in the wounding of Trump and others, including a fatal injury to a bystander.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared herself “deeply shocked” by the violence, underscoring that political violence has no place in democratic societies. Similarly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled the attack “despicable,” warning of its threat to democracy, while French President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as a tragic moment for democratic nations.

In a critical tone, Russia urged the U.S. to reconsider its internal policies, particularly criticizing U.S. financial support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his horror at the news and wished Trump a swift recovery, emphasizing that violence is unjustifiable.

Across the Americas, reactions varied: Argentina’s President Javier Milei attributed the attack to the “international left,” accusing them of resorting to violence in response to political challenges. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Chilean President Gabriel Boric both condemned the act, highlighting its threat to democracy. Colombian authorities echoed a sentiment of solidarity with the U.S., emphasizing their own experiences with political violence.

Asian leaders also voiced their concerns. China’s Xi Jinping expressed sympathy, closely monitoring the situation, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida decried the violence as antithetical to democratic values. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos also expressed condolences and relief at Trump’s condition, condemning political violence.

In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed shock and wishes for a peaceful U.S. electoral process, free from violence and terror.

Collectively, the international response highlighted a strong global consensus against political violence and a call for peaceful political discourse.