Akufo-Addo joins world leaders in condemnation of attempted assassination of Trump
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined numerous global leaders in condemning the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, expressing his concern and solidarity on Monday night (July 15, 2024).
The incident occurred at a rally in Pennsylvania last Saturday, where shots were fired, injuring Trump in the right ear. The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspect, who has since been killed.
President Akufo-Addo shared his thoughts on social media, stating, "Such acts of politically-motivated violence have no place in our world and undermine the principles of democracy and peace that we all hold dear." He added, "We send our heartfelt best wishes to President Trump and the American people during this difficult time, and we pray for his swift and complete recovery."
US President Joe Biden, Trump's political opponent, described the attack as "sick," asserting, "there's no place for this kind of violence in America."
The condemnation extended globally, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling the event a "tragedy for our democracies" and expressing France's shock and indignation alongside well wishes for Trump's recovery. Leaders from Spain, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Turkey, Honduras, and Israel echoed similar sentiments.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his thoughts for Trump and those present at the rally, condemning political violence. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also sent their best wishes, with Scholz labelling the attack "despicable" and a threat to democracy. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that "peace and democracy must always be the option."
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a strong supporter of Trump, shared his thoughts and prayers on social media. Leaders from Asian nations, including Japan, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Taiwan, also expressed their concerns.
Indian Prime Minister Nahendra Modi condemned the attack on his friend, while China's President Xi Jinping extended condolences through a spokesperson, noting China's concern over the incident. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, reiterated Russia's denouncement of violence in political battles, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes for the injured's recovery.
The attack also resulted in the death of one spectator and left two others critically injured. This incident adds to the US's history of political violence, with four presidents previously lost to assassinations and others targeted by attempts.