Trump’s European allies leap to his defense as FBI probes new ‘attempted assassination’

Shooter was just a few hundred meters away from former U.S. president.

Sep 16, 2024 - 13:00
Trump’s European allies leap to his defense as FBI probes new ‘attempted assassination’

Donald Trump’s European friends expressed solidarity with the former U.S. president after he survived a second “attempted assassination” on Sunday.

“It is clear that President Trump’s life is in danger, until his victory. We are praying for you, Mr. President!” said Hungary’s conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

“Total support to Donald Trump after another attempted assassination. Trials, violence, fanatics and communists will not stop us. Forward with our heads held high!” said Italy’s right-wing Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

“Again! This time an assassin with an assault rifle was lying in wait for Trump while playing golf. The shots missed again: hole-in-one for the #USA! There can be no more of the same for the Western world!” Björn Höcke, leader of the rising far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) in the state of Thuringia, wrote in a post on X.

Trump was golfing at his club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, when, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, a Secret Service agent spotted the suspect with a rifle sticking through the fence of the golf course and immediately fired at the man, who fled the scene. Trump was 300 to 500 yards away from the suspect, Bradshaw said.

The FBI said it is “investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination” of Trump.

Authorities identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, a 58-year-old man who according to officials had previously expressed critical views toward the former president.

Trump later thanked the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies for their “incredible job” of keeping him safe.

“THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!” he wrote in a post on his platform Truth Social.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and U.S. President Joe Biden both condemned the “political violence” and said that they will ensure the Secret Service has all the resources to guarantee Trump’s safety.

Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13, when he was shot in the ear during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

What's Your Reaction?

like

dislike

love

funny

angry

sad

wow