July 15, 2024
MANILA – The world was left reeling in shock when yesterday, July 14 (in Asia), news broke of former US president Donald Trump being shot during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania (July 13 in the US). The presumptive Republican presidential nominee survived the attempt on his life that left the shooter and a bystander killed and two spectators critically injured in the worst act of US political violence in decades.
The gunman has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about an hour’s drive from the rally site, according to a statement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) early on July 14, news agencies reported. The Wall Street Journal and CNN said that explosive materials were found in a car belonging to him that was reportedly parked near the campaign event venue.
His motive remains unknown.
In the wake of such a seismic event, Asian leaders were quick to send their messages of concern and solidarity to Trump, and Asia News Network gathered their reactions and messages to the former POTUS’ brush with death.
Bangladesh
PM Sheikh Hasina condemned the attack on Trump, calling the incident “really regretful,” according to a report by BSS published on The Daily Star. “We must condemn such an attack on him [Trump]. America always feels proud of its democracy,” she added.
China
A spokesman for President Xi Jinping said the Chinese president expressed his “compassion and sympathy” to Trump on Sunday, as reported by China Daily.
“China is closely following the situation surrounding the shooting of former President Donald Trump,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, also strongly condemned the attack on the former US President, saying that “violence has no place in politics and democracies,” The Statesman reported.
PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to say: “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 a speedy recovery.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people,” he added.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the attack on the former US President Donald Trump.
Japan
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on everyone to “stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy,” in a post on X on Sunday morning, according to a report on The Japan News. He also wished Trump a speedy recovery in the post.
Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his sympathy towards Trump, adding that he hopes the situation remains under control, as reported by The Star.
The prime minister emphasised that ‘violence is never the solution,’ as he spoke to the press at Serdang on Sunday, July 14.
Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also voiced their condemnation of the assassination attempt, saying that there is no ‘No place for violence in politics,’ the Dawn reported.
PM Shehbaz took to social media to air out his thoughts, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Just learnt that former President Trump was shot at an election rally. This is a shocking development. I condemn all violence in politics. Wish the former President [a] swift recovery and good health.”
Incarcerated former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan “strongly” condemned the attack, saying: “Political violence is a tool of cowards and has no place in a democracy.”
Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has similarly extended his well wishes to Trump. “It is with great relief that we receive the news that former President Donald Trump is fine and well after the attempt to assassinate him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Marcos wrote on his X account on Sunday, as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“Together with all democracy-loving peoples around the world, we condemn all forms of political violence. The voice of the people must always remain supreme,” he added.
Singapore
In a Facebook post, PM Lawrence Wong said: “I was shocked to hear about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. I am relieved to hear reports that he is safe and recovering well,” The Straits Times reported.
He added: “Our thoughts are also with the family of the deceased and those injured and impacted by the senseless attack. We should never resort to violence regardless of any differences of views.”
South Korea
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday likewise chimed in his condemnation of the incident through his X account, as per The Korea Herald. The president wrote: “I am appalled by the hideous act of political violence.”
President Yoon also wished former President Trump a speedy recovery, adding that the people of Korea stand in solidarity with the people of America.”
Yoon’s spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung said in a written statement that the Yoon administration “strongly condemns any form of political violence,” and that the South Korean president expressed regret upon hearing the news.
Thailand
PM Srettha Thavisin said he was saddened by the news, adding that such events should never happen and hoped for Trump’s safety, according to a report on The Nation. Speaking from Chiang Rai province on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that such acts of violence were of great concern, especially considering Pennsylvania’s significance to the Republican Party.
When asked about increasing security measures during public appearances for Thai prime ministers, PM Srettha “affirmed his belief that Thailand’s security system was adequate and left the matter to the discretion of the security agencies.”