Caribbean Governments Condemn Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents as he is helped off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania , Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Source: Loop
Across the Caribbean region, governments have issued strong condemnations following the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred during a public appearance in Pennsylvania on Saturday, has sparked international reactions and concern.
Regional governments stressed that violence has no place in the political arena.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said he stands with President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson in condemning the incident, which could have resulted in dozens of people losing their lives.
“I too agree that there is absolutely no place or justification for any aspect of violence in the political process and environment of a democratic society. Those who might directly or inadvertently foster and or encourage this outcome should give deep reflection as to their commitment to democracy as we all champion it to the diversity of our populations,” he said in a statement.
St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew said he was saddened by the incident.
“Violence and hate have no place in our world, and I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump and his family during this difficult time. We must come together as a global community to denounce such acts of violence and work towards a more peaceful and inclusive world,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Belize Foreign Affairs Ministry described the incident as an attack on US democracy.
“Belize categorically condemns the assassination attempt on Former President @realDonaldTrump. We underscore the importance of free and fair elections as a fundamental principle of democracy. This encompasses the protection of the lives of all political candidates,” the ministry wrote on its official X account.
Trump received a minor injury to his ear from one of the bullets fired by Thomas Matthew Crooks.
The 20-year-old would-be assassin was shot dead by law enforcement moments after he opened fire on Trump.
A prosecutor said at least one attendee was killed and the Secret Service said two spectators were critically injured.