Washington - Former US President and Republican leader Donald Trump narrowly escaped a deadly attack during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack occurred at 6:30 pm on Saturday (4 am Sunday IST) when several bullets were fired at Trump as he was speaking from the stage. Trump, though unharmed, was seen with blood on his face and ear, and was immediately escorted to safety by security personnel. The shooter was shot dead by Secret Service agents on the spot.
Following the attack, Trump was taken under tight security amid the ensuing chaos. Videos circulating on social media show blood flowing from Trump's ear, but security agencies have confirmed that he is safe. The incident has been met with widespread condemnation, both domestically and internationally.
US President Joe Biden denounced the attack, stating, "There is no place for such violence in America." Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that political violence has no place in a democracy. Obama added, "Although we do not yet know what really happened, it is a matter of relief that former President Trump was not seriously injured."
Global leaders also voiced their condemnation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern on Twitter, writing, "I am very worried about the attack on friend Donald Trump. I strongly condemn this incident. There is no place for violence in politics and democracy. I wish him a speedy recovery."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Britain's newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the attack, reaffirming that political violence is never acceptable. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Trump a speedy recovery, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the need to stand firmly against any violence that challenges democracy.
The incident has sparked a renewed debate on political violence and the safety of public figures, highlighting the urgent need for heightened security measures at political events.
