Trudeau, Other Canadian Party Leaders Condemn Attempted Assassination of Trump

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surround by U.S. Secret Service agents after an attempted assassination at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition party leaders condemned the attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump that occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.

“I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump,” Mr. Trudeau said on the X platform on July 13.

“It cannot be overstated—political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”

During the shooting, Mr. Trump’s right ear was pierced by one of the bullets and a rally attendee was killed, while two others were seriously injured. The shooter, who was positioned on a rooftop outside the security perimeter, was later shot and killed by the Secret Service.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, the first Canadian leader to comment, said he condemns the attack and is glad the former president is safe.

“I condemn in the strongest of terms the attempted murder of former President Trump today,” Mr. Poilievre said on X on July 13.

“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.”

Yves-F. Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, said he “unequivocally” denounces the attack on Mr. Trump.

“Democracy is the most powerful instrument for the common good,” Mr. Blanchet said on X in French. “Hate and violence scare but convince no one. Our condolences to the loved ones of the innocent victim and to the shaken citizens. Let us not sow the wind.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said there is “no room for violence at any political event.”

“My thoughts are with former President Trump and his family, as well as with the other victims of this shooting,” Mr. Singh said on X. “And my gratitude to the law enforcement members and first responders who prevented further deaths.”

U.S. President Joe Biden said he had been briefed on the issue, and that the nation must unite in condemning the attack.

“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,” Mr. Biden said in a statement. “Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America.”

Robert F. Kennedy, who is also running for president in the upcoming election, also condemned the attack.

“Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family,” he said on X.

The Secret Service said an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Premiers Condemn Attack

Several premiers also condemned the attempted assassination of Mr. Trump.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said there is no room for political violence in a democracy.

“I’m thankful that former President Trump is safe and my thoughts are with our friends south of the border who have been shaken by this terrible incident,” Mr. Ford said on X.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she was “shocked and horrified” at the attempted assassination.

“I am relieved he is safe and my thoughts are with him, his family, and the families of those harmed or killed by this sickening act of political violence,” Ms. Smith said on X.

B.C. Premier David Eby said no matter what one’s politics are, “the attempted assassination of a former president and presidential candidate is horrific.”

“The people of British Columbia abhor political violence in all of its forms,” Mr. Eby said on X.

Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report.