Washington, US

Donald Trump Rally Shooting: The political bigwigs in the United States and the world came together to condemn the attack on former president Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday (Jul 13). President Joe Biden led the pack by posting a message that stated he was 'grateful' that Trump was safe. 

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“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," wrote Biden. 

“There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”

Biden said he had tried to get in touch withTrump who was busy with the doctors but added that his Republican rival was "doing well". 

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Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris said, “Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured."

“We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also criticised the shooting and said security agencies were probing the case. 

“Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States.I have been briefed on the situation. Police are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners," Shapiro posted on X. 

Among international leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was 'deeply concerned' by the attack on his friend. 

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock at the attack on Trump. 

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Newly-crowned UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said he was appalled by the shooting. 

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Billionaire Elon Musk called for the chief of the US Security Service to resign. 

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Trump issues statement

The incident transpired in Butler, Pennsylvania where Trump was addressing a packed crowd gathered to cheer him on the presidential trail. Footage showed the bullet piercing his ear as the former president grimaced and later ducked under the podium. A series of shots fired could be heard. 

Also read | Donald Trump dodges death as gunman shoots at him during Campaign Rally in Pennsylvania

The US Secret Service Agents quickly swarmed Trump and rushed him off stage to a waiting vehicle. Trump walked off with his fist raised. 

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured," Trump said post the incident. 

"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," he added. 

Trump signed off saying that he immediately knew he was shot and felt the bullet ripping through the skin. 

(With inputs from agencies)