Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday condemned an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, calling the attack “distasteful.”
Trump, the Republican candidate for the November election, was rushed off stage when gunshots were fired at a campaign rally on Saturday in Pennsylvania. This shocking incident has heightened anxiety in the run-up to the 2024 election. A day after the incident, Tinubu joined world leaders in condemning the attack, emphasizing that violence has no place in democracy.
“The attack on former President Donald Trump is distasteful and goes beyond the pale of democratic norms. Violence has no place in democracy,” Tinubu stated on X. “I extend my sympathies to the former President and wish him relief. I also condole with the family of the deceased and those wounded and wish them a quick recovery. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States of America at this time.”
Shooter Dead
Butler County District Attorney, Richard Goldinger reported that two people, including the apparent shooter, are dead. A second bystander may also have been hit. The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, descended into chaos after shots were heard, followed by screams and shouts.
“Let me get my shoes,” Trump was heard saying on the microphone as security agents helped him back to his feet. He turned back to the crowd, repeatedly raising his fist, and mouthing words that weren’t immediately discernable, creating what is set to become an iconic image.
Agents then bundled the 78-year-old tycoon into an SUV as he once more raised his fist to the crowd. “This is an active crime scene,” Secret Service officers told reporters, ordering them out of the area. “We saw a lot of people go down, looking confused. I heard the shots,” said John Yeykal from Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was attending his first Trump rally.
US Politicians React
Former President, Barack Obama stated there was “absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.” “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,” Obama added.
Republican Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell said, “Tonight, all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally. Violence has no place in our politics.”
Billionaire, Elon Musk quickly endorsed Trump, writing on X, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” and sharing a video of Trump pumping his fist while being escorted away.
The United States has a history of political violence, and presidents, former presidents, and candidates typically have tight security. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 while riding in his motorcade, and his brother Bobby Kennedy was shot dead in 1968. President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981.
