Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have condemned the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.
Bush, who has often been at odds with Trump, released a statement praising the Secret Service for their quick actions and expressing relief that Trump was not seriously injured. “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life,” Bush said. “We wish him a speedy recovery and commend the Secret Service for their bravery.”
Obama, who has also had his share of disagreements with Trump, took to social media to denounce the attack. “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” Obama wrote. “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.”
The two former presidents’ statements were echoed by other political leaders, including President Joe Biden, who spoke with Trump following the attack. “Political violence has no place in our democracy,” Biden said. “I condemn this attack and am grateful that President Trump is safe.”
In a related development, the identity of the shooter has now been revealed by the US secret service.
