‘It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable,’ wrote Trudeau in a social media post
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and other Canadian officials are condemning the assassination attempt against former U.S. president Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Penn. on Saturday evening.
Trump was whisked by Secret Service agents from the rally after apparent gunshots, with blood on his ear and his face, but not before raising his fist defiantly to his supporters.
The Secret Service said in a statement that “the former President is safe.”
Reports have confirmed that at least one attendee at the rally was killed in the attack. The alleged shooter has also been confirmed as killed by Secret Service agents.
Another attendee at the rally is reported to have been wounded and is in serious condition.
Trudeau said he was “sickened” by the news in a post on X.
“It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans,” he wrote on Saturday night.
Global Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has not issued a statement in response to the apparent assassination attempt.
“I condemn in the strongest of terms the attempted murder of former President Trump today,” Poilievre tweeted on the social media site X, an hour after the incident occurred. “I am relieved he is safe. My prayers are with other innocent people harmed or killed by this heinous act. I am also happy that the suspected shooter is dead. Democracy must prevail.”
Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also posted on X.
“There is no room for violence at any political event. We must all stand united against political violence wherever it happens. My thoughts are with former President Trump and his family, as well as with the other victims of this shooting,” he wrote. “And my gratitude to the law enforcement members and first responders who prevented further deaths.”
Bob Rae, the Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted as well. “Terrible events in Butler County, PA today – there is never an excuse for violence of this kind. So sad to hear of someone in the crowd being shot.”
The Canadian consul general in New York, Tom Clark, tweeted: “The attack on President Trump is horrific. It must be condemned in the strongest way by everyone. On behalf of the Canadian Consulate in New York, we wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
The shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania is being investigated as an attempted assassination of the former president and presumptive Republican nominee, law enforcement officials say.
With files from Associated Press
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