Former U.S. President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Trump was shot in the upper part of his right ear, causing significant bleeding, but he is reportedly fine. The attack resulted in one attendee’s death and left two others critically injured. Secret Service agents shot and killed the 20-year-old suspected gunman.
This incident marks the most serious attempt on a presidential candidate’s life since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. It has heightened concerns about political violence in an already polarized United States, just months before the presidential election. The FBI has not yet identified the motive behind the attack.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed concern for Donald Trump via X (formerly known as Twitter). He offered condolences to the affected victims and wished the former president a speedy recovery. Lai emphasized that this kind of political violence is unacceptable in democratic societies.
In a public statement, President Joe Biden strongly condemned the suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He expressed relief that Trump was reportedly doing well. Separately, Vice President Kamala Harris stated she was relieved that Trump was not seriously injured and offered prayers for him, his family, and all of those affected by what she described as a senseless shooting.
Former President Barrack Obama firmly denounced political violence in the U.S. via social media platform X and wished Trump a speedy recovery. He highlighted the importance of using this incident as an opportunity to recommit to civility and respect in political discourse.