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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian political leaders issued condemnations on Saturday after a suspected gunman shot at former U.S. president Donald Trump at a campaign rally.
“I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump,” Trudeau said in a statement Saturday night, about two hours after the shooting. “It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”
Law enforcement officials said Trump appeared to be the target of an assassination attempt as he spoke during a rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday. The former president, his ear covered in blood, was quickly pulled away by U.S. Secret Service agent. His campaign said he was “fine.”
A local prosecutor said the suspected gunman and at least one attendee are dead. The Secret Service said two spectators were critically injured.
Earlier Saturday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre issued a statement condemning the shooting.
“I condemn in the strongest of terms the attempted murder of former President Trump today,” the official opposition leader said. “I am relieved he is safe. My prayers are with other innocent people harmed or killed by this heinous act.
“I am also happy that the suspected shooter is dead,” he added. “Democracy must prevail.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said that “there is no room for violence at any political event. We must all stand united against political violence wherever it happens.”
“My thoughts are with former President Trump and his family, as well as with the other victims of this shooting,” Singh said in a statement. “And my gratitude to the law enforcement members and first responders who prevented further deaths.”
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet issued a statement saying his party “unequivocally denounces the attack against former president Trump.”
“Democracy is the most powerful instrument for the common good,” he said in the statement in French. “Hate and violence create fear, but convince no one. Our condolences to the loved ones of the innocent victim and to the shaken citizens.”
This video shows the moment shots were fired during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and former U.S. president Donald Trump ducked for cover before being taken away by Secret Service agents.
Canadian diplomats working in the U.S. also condemned the violence.
“My thoughts are with former President Trump, his family, the victims affected by this senseless act of violence and Americans across the country,” Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, said in a statement.
“Terrible events in Butler County, Pa., today — there is never an excuse for violence of this kind,” said Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. “So sad to hear of someone in the crowd being shot.”
Several premiers also issued statements on social media Saturday night.
“Political violence has no place in a democracy,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. “I’m thankful that former president Trump is safe and my thoughts are with our friends south of the border who have been shaken by this terrible incident.”
Quebec Premier François Legault said the attack on Trump is “shocking and must be condemned.”
“Political violence is an attack on democracy,” Legault said in French. “It’s extremism and in Quebec, we reject it. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
B.C. Premier David Eby said he was “deeply concerned” to see Trump shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania.
“No matter your politics, the attempted assassination of a former president and presidential candidate is horrific,” he said. “The people of British Columbia abhor political violence in all of its forms.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she was “shocked and horrified” at the attempted assassination today of former president Trump.
“I am relieved he is safe and my thoughts are with him, his family and the families of those harmed or killed by this sickening act of political violence,” she added.
“The attack on former president Trump today is shocking and horrific,” Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said. “Political violence has no place in our society. My thoughts are with the former president and the American people as they recover from this violent attack.”
Source: cbc
