Donald Trump shooting: Political leaders across Ireland condemn ‘disturbing and dangerous’ assassination attempt

POLITICAL leaders across Ireland have spoken out against the attempted assassination attempt against Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The former US President was shot in the ear and was rushed off stage by secret service agents as he pumped his fist in the air.

One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured in the attack.

The FBI later identified the gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Parks, Pennsylvania.

Armagh man in custody after Albanian nationals found hidden in livestock wagon

After shooting at the stage from the top of an adjacent building, secret service agents shot him dead.

On Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris called it a “heinous crime” and said his thoughts were with those injured and the spectator who lost their life.

“Political violence must always be condemned, always be called out,” he told the BBC.

“I must say it is quite alarming, the rise that we’re seeing in political violence across the world.

“It’s only weeks since my Slovakian counterpart had an attempt on his life as well.

“I should say one glimmer of hope we saw last night in what were very, very chilling moments was the fact that two fierce political rivals, President Biden and former President Trump, did speak.

“It’s so important that that happened. It’s so important that political violence is condemned and of course I want to send former President Trump our very best wishes, and his family and all of those who were caught up in this horrific, heinous criminal act last night.”

The DUP leader Gavin Robinson posted online: “Political rallies are an important part of any democracy.

“The attempted murder of US Presidential candidate Donald Trump is sickening effort to disrupt democracy.

“There are some who would rather see a politician dead than elected. The security/close protection team must get it right every time, whilst the shooter only needs to get it right once.

“Our prayers are with all those injured or bereaved in Pennsylvania.”

Ulster Unionist leader, Doug Beattie, said: “The attempted murder of Donald Trump at a presidential election rally in Pennsylvania is both disturbing and dangerous.

“Democracy is an important principle in any election and within any country. The attempt to murder a candidate in any election is an attempt to undermine that democracy.

“It is also dangerous, if not checked, as it polarises communities setting ideologies against each other in an increasingly toxic manner. This is one of the world’s superpowers that can quickly spiral out of control.

“My thoughts are with Mr Trump, and I hope he makes a speedy recovery. I also wish to extend my condolences to the individual who lost their life and my thoughts with those injured.”

Alliance leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long added: “There can never be any place for political violence in any democracy.

“My thoughts are with all those bereaved and injured by the shooting in Pennsylvania.

“Wishing those injured including former President, Donald Trump, a speedy recovery.”

The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, also said he was “appalled” by the shocking scenes and joined other world leaders in condemning political violence.

Mr Trump’s campaign team has since confirmed the presumptive Republican nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting, which he said pierced the upper part of his right ear.

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place,” Mr Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social.

President Joe Biden, who is running against Mr Trump, has since spoken to his political rival and said: “There’s no place in America for this type of violence...it’s sick. It’s sick.”

The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.