Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed relief that former U.S. President Donald Trump is doing well after a bullet pierced his right ear in what FBI officials said was an assassination attempt.
“The incident at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania today is concerning and confronting. There is no place for violence in the democratic process,” Mr. Albanese wrote on X on Sunday morning local time in Australia about the shooting in the United States on Saturday night.
“I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe,” he said.
Several shots were heard during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, while the former president was speaking to a crowd of more than 10,000.
Former President Trump could be seen clutching his right ear before he dropped to the ground behind his podium and the sound of further gunshots rang out. Secret Service rushed on stage to cover the presumed Republican presidential candidate who remained behind the podium for cover.
As the Secret Service agents could be heard confirming that the shooter was down, former President Trump was escorted off stage by the agents with blood dropping from his right ear—but not before he took the time to face the crowd and pump his fist in the air.
Authorities confirmed in a statement shortly after that the former president was safe at a local hospital receiving treatment.
“The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the suspected shooter was killed, according to the Butler County district attorney.
Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, said Australians were shocked by the attack on former President Trump.
“Violence has no place in our democracies. It is a relief to see that President Trump is safe. Our thoughts are with him and his family,” he said.
Meanwhile, acting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the apparent assassination attempt on former President Trump was a breach of Australia and America’s shared values.
“Australians and Americans share a commitment to freedom and democracy,” she said. “The attempted assassination of former President Trump is a shocking breach of these values. It is not who we are.”
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison also weighed in, saying he was saddened and appalled at the incident.
“Prayers for him and his family today, as well as all those who put their own lives at risk to protect those in public life,” he said.
“Prayers also for America and its people, a great democracy and our great friend, at this difficult time.”
“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country,” he said. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this. We cannot condone this.”
