Former US President Donald Trump was shot during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday (July 13), but the gunman has been killed and Trump is safe. Leaders from both parties in the United States and some international leaders have issued statements supporting Trump and condemning the violence.
During the Saturday evening rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Trump was suddenly met with a loud noise, causing him to fall to the ground. Secret Service agents protected him off the stage and images from the scene showed blood on Trump’s face.
Before leaving, Trump raised his fist to the crowd. He was then escorted to a car and removed from the scene.
President Joe Biden, top Democrats and Republicans, as well as former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, immediately issued statements expressing concern and support for Trump, also condemning political violence.
Several other world leaders also expressed support for Trump.
President Biden stated in a release that he had been briefed on the shooting incident at the Pennsylvania rally.
“I was pleased to hear that he is safe. I pray for him, his family, and all those at the rally, and await further information,” the statement said.
“My wife Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for protecting Trump. This violence has no place in America. We must come together as a nation and condemn it,” Biden said.
Speaking in Delaware, Biden said that Trump was with his doctor and in good condition. He denounced the shooting, saying “this violence has no place in America”.
“This is sick, and it is one of the reasons we need to unite this country. We cannot allow this to happen. We cannot continue like this, we cannot condone this behavior,” he said.
Biden added that he had attempted to contact Trump, noting that Trump was currently with his doctor and appeared to be in good condition.
US Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement, “We are praying for him, his family, and all who were injured or affected by the shooting incident.”
“This violence has no place in our country. We must collectively condemn this deplorable act and do our part to ensure it does not lead to more violence,” she said.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador was one of the first world leaders to react to the attack on Trump.
Obrador condemned the shooting, stating that “such violence is irrational and inhumane” in a post on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Sara and I are shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and a quick recovery.”
Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya said, “Violence leads to more violence. I regret what has happened during the US election process and stand in solidarity with President Trump.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said, “In this dark moment, my thoughts and prayers are with President Trump.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed via social media platform X on July 14, “We must firmly counter the violent behavior challenging democracy and pray for the swift recovery of former President Trump.”
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te posted on X platform, “I pray for former US President Trump, wishing him a speedy recovery. In our democratic country, any form of political violence is unacceptable. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims of the attack.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was “shocked and saddened by the shooting incident at the rally and grateful that he is safe.”
Blinken posted on X on Saturday, saying, “As President Biden said, political violence has no place in America, and we must collectively condemn this behavior.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the entire Department of Defense “condemns this act of violence, which has no place in our democracy.”
In a statement on X, he said, “This is not how we resolve disagreements in America, and it should never be.”
“I am glad to report that former President Trump is safe, and I am praying for him, his family, and all those affected by this terrible event.”
Former President and Republican George W. Bush stated in a release, “President Trump is safe following this cowardly attack, Laura and I are relieved. We commend the rapid response of the Secret Service agents.”
Former President and Democrat Barack Obama said in a statement, “There is no place for political violence in our democratic system.”
He added that while details were unclear, “we should all be relieved that former President Trump was not seriously injured and use this moment to recommit to civility and respect in our politics.”
Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X, saying he is “praying for President Trump.”
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik also posted on X platform, saying, “Please pray for former President Trump, his family, and all patriots attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated on X, “I am shocked by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania but relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed in a statement on X platform that he is praying for former President Trump.
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump. I appreciate law enforcement’s decisive response,” he said. “America is a democracy. Any form of political violence is unacceptable.”
Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that she is praying for Trump.
Pelosi wrote on X platform that her family has been a victim of political violence. A man broke into her home with a hammer looking for Pelosi, leading to an attack on her husband.
“I know full well that there is no place for any form of political violence in our society,” Pelosi wrote. “Thank God for keeping former President Trump safe.”
She also said that she is praying for all the attendees at the rally.
Democrat Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned political violence on Saturday and stated that he had been briefed on the incident at the Trump rally.
“Violence against any party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable,” Shapiro posted on X. “This behavior should not occur in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been informed about the situation.”
Several of Trump’s allies took to Twitter to show support and offer prayers.
Here are their statements:
Florida Senator Marco Rubio said, “Praying for President Trump and all attending the rally in Pennsylvania today.”
Ohio Senator JD Vance said, “Join me in praying for our President Trump and all attendees at the rally. I hope everyone stays safe.”
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum said, “Please join Catherine and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and all attending the rally today. We all know that President Trump is stronger than his enemies. Today he showed that.”
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said, “Praying for President Trump and all at the Pennsylvania rally, may God bless them.”
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem stated, “Praying for Donald J. Trump. Praying for America. He is the strongest person I’ve ever met, no one has endured what he has, hoping that his evil attackers will be swiftly brought to justice.”
New York Representative Elise Stefanik said, “Please pray for President Trump, his family, and all patriots at the rally in the state today.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “Casey and I are praying for Trump and his family.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence said, “Karen and I are praying for President Trump and urge all Americans to join us.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “President Trump will not be deterred. America will not be destroyed. Pray for our country.”
Donald Trump Jr. said, “He will never stop fighting to save America.”