Joe Biden and Barack Obama lead world leaders in condemning assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Trigger Warning: This article contains some graphic information and content that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden addressed the media on Saturday, July 13, at the White House, about two hours after gunfire broke out at his political rival Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. The President condemned the "sick" political violence and expressed that he was grateful that his predecessor was safe.

Support for the former president poured in from leaders worldwide, reported the Daily Mail. Among those condemning the apparent assassination attempt were Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the C chairman Elon Musk.

According to Fox News, shots rang out moments after Trump began speaking at the rally at Butler Farm Show grounds, killing at least one person and critically injuring two others. The suspected shooter was able to fire at least five shots before being neutralized by Secret Service agents. Trump appeared to have blood on his right ear and cheek while he was led away to safety.

President Joe Biden's statement condemning the shooting

Speaking with reporters at the White House, Joe Biden stated, "There's no place in America this kind of violence. It's sick. It's sick. It's one of the reasons we have to unite this country."

The President said that he was trying to reach his predecessor, who is reportedly at a hospital near the rally site. With the incident under investigation, Biden refrained from defining the incident as an assassination attempt, the Daily Mail reported.

Biden responded to a journalist, "I have an opinion but I don't have any facts. So I want to make sure we have all the facts before I make any more comments."

He concluded by thanking the US Secret Service and other agencies, before reiterating his condemnation of the incident.

"The bottom line is the Trump rally is a rally that he should have been ... conducted peacefully without any problem. But the idea, the idea that there's political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of. It's just not appropriate. Everybody, everybody must condemn it, everybody," the President added.

Leaders stand by Donald Trump after assassination attempt

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) buzzed with statements from world leaders expressing their solidarity with Donald Trump and wishing him a fast recovery.

Musk, who owns X, wrote on his platform, "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."

"There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy," wrote Trump's predecessor in the White House, Barack Obama.

"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery," he added.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote from across the pond, "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."

"The UK government condemns all forms of political violence in the strongest terms," shared the country's foreign secretary David Lammy. "As we monitor the shocking developments in Pennsylvania, our thoughts and best wishes are with President Trump - along with every victim and their families."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident over X as well, sharing, "Sara and I were shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump. We pray for his safety and speedy recovery."

The troubled time saw one of Trump's fiercest political opponents, Bernie Sanders, building bridges, as he wrote on X, "Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery."

Ahead of his press conference, President Biden took to the platform as well, stating, "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 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."

"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. We must unite as one nation to condemn it," he added.

Argentinian President Javier Milei stated, "All my support and solidarity to President and candidate Donald Trump, victim of a COWARDLY assassination attempt that put his life and that of hundreds of people at risk."

"The desperation of the international left is not surprising, as today it sees its harmful ideology expire, and is willing to destabilize democracies and promote violence to screw itself into power. In fear of losing at the polls, they resort to terrorism to impose their retrograde and authoritarian agenda," he continued, before adding, "I hope for the speedy recovery of President Trump and that the elections in the United States are held fairly, peacefully and democratically."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the incident, posting on X, "Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people."

"I am following with apprehension the updates from Pennsylvania, where the 45th President of the United States @realDonaldTrump was shot during a rally. My solidarity and my best wishes for a speedy recovery go to him, with the hope that the next few months of the electoral campaign will see dialogue and responsibility prevail over hatred and violence," wrote Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni on the platform. 

"I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans," expressed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.