Former US President Donald Trump escapes assassination attempt; world leaders react

Former US President Donald Trump allegedly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania where multiple gunshots were fired by a 20-year-old assailant claiming the life of an innocent bystander while critically injuring two others.

The attack on Trump was done by Thomas Matthew Crooks on July 13 in which he was injured as the bullet grazed his ear.

According to media reports, Crooks is believed to have fired several shots from an elevated position on a manufacturing plant roof, over 130 yards from the stage where Trump was addressing supporters.

In a swift response by the Secret Service counter-sniper team, a direct headshot neutralized Crooks immediately. The Secret Service agents swarmed the stage to shield Trump and evacuated him safely.

The incident happened soon after Trump began his address, with the former president visibly bleeding and in pain as he clutched his right ear. Amidst the chaos, Trump turned to the crowd and raised his fist as a mark of resilience.

He later took to Truth Social and said, “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.” Trump's campaign said that he was doing well after the assassination attempt.

The world leaders have expressed concern over the incident and has condemned the violence.

President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the assassination attempt stressing that "there is no place for this kind of violence in America."

"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,” Biden said as per NY Post.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reacted to the news, saying, “Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery.”

Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador who withdrew from the presidential race after a tough fight against Trump said, "This should horrify every freedom-loving American. Violence against presidential candidates must never be normalized."

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), newly elected British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally. ”We send him and his family our best wishes," he added.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed concern, saying he was "sickened" by the shooting, stressing that "It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable."

"My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans," Trudeau wrote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 14 expressed deep concern over the attack and said violence has no place in politics and democracies.

Modi said on X, “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him a speedy recovery.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people, he added.

The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also expressed deep concern and condemned the apparent assassination attempt.

"I am deeply concerned by the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. Such acts must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," Gandhi said in a post on X.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who reportedly made a huge donation to a pro-Trump super PAC, reacted to the incident.

“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery," Musk said.

He further drew similarities between Trump and Theodore Roosevelt, who endured an assassination attempt while running for president in 1912.

“Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt", he said.

Donald Trump, 78, announced his candidacy for the 2024 US presidential election on November 15, 2022 . He recently became the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Despite the legal challenges, he remains an early frontrunner for the Republican nomination. The US Supreme Court recently granted him partial immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken during his presidency.