EU condemns shooting at Donald Trump rally
The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and European officials expressed shock and condemnation following the shooting at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump.
Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign event on Saturday after a major security lapse, an attack that will likely reshape this year’s presidential race and fuel fears of escalating political violence.
The Secret Service said the shooter was dead, one attendee at the rally was killed, and two other spectators were injured. Law enforcement officials have not yet identified a motive for the attack.
The shooting occurred less than four months before the November 5 US election, where Trump, the Republican candidate, faces a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.
Mitsotakis condemned the attack on a post on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Appalled by the attack on former President Trump. Political violence is unacceptable in our democratic societies. Wishing him a full and swift recovery. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bystanders who lost their lives or were injured in the attack.”
Appalled by the attack on former President Trump. Political violence is unacceptable in our democratic societies. Wishing him a full and swift recovery. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bystanders who lost their lives or were injured in the attack.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) July 14, 2024
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted, “I am deeply shocked by the shooting that took place during former President Trump’s campaign rally. I wish Donald Trump a speedy recovery and offer my condolences to the family of the innocent victim. Political violence has no place in a democracy.”
I am deeply shocked by the shooting that took place during former President Trump’s campaign rally.
I wish Donald Trump a speedy recovery and offer my condolences to the family of the innocent victim.
Political violence has no place in a democracy.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 14, 2024
European Council President Charles Michel echoed this sentiment, stating, “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy. I strongly condemn the attack on former President Donald Trump.”
Political violence is absolutely unacceptable in a democracy.
I strongly condemn the attack on former President Donald Trump.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) July 14, 2024
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also expressed his dismay, tweeting, “Shocked by the news of the attack on President Trump, which I strongly condemn. Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives.”
Shocked by the news of the attack on President Trump, which I strongly condemn.
Once again, we are witnessing unacceptable acts of violence against political representatives.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 13, 2024
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola added, “Shocked at the horrific attack at the rally of former President Trump in Pennsylvania. Political violence is unacceptable, it must have no place in our societies. My thoughts are with him and the victims.” [Kathimerini/Reuters]
Shocked at the horrific attack at the rally of former President Trump in Pennsylvania. Political violence is unacceptable, it must have no place in our societies.
My thoughts are with him and the victims.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) July 14, 2024
