UK politicians condemn assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump

Sir Keir Starmer has said he was “appalled” by the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, while Nigel Farage told of being “very upset” but “not shocked”.

Photographs have shown the bloodied former US president defiantly pumping his fist in the air after shots were fired at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening.

Mr Trump, who was “safe” according to a spokesman, said on his Truth Social media platform that a bullet had “pierced” his ear before he was dragged to the ground by Secret Service agents.

One person at the rally was killed and two other spectators were critically injured, authorities said.

All were identified as men.

The suspected gunman, who attacked from an “elevated position” outside the rally venue, was fatally shot.

Asked how he felt after the shooting, Reform UK leader Mr Farage told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: “I was very upset and I’m still upset.

“I’m obviously pleased that my friend Donald has got away with it, only just, but he’s got away with it.

“But one person is dead.

“Two more are fighting for their lives in hospital so it’s an absolutely horrendous incident and yet somehow I’m not shocked by it.

“The narrative that is put out there about Trump by the liberals that oppose him is so nasty, so unpleased, that I think it almost encourages this type of behaviour.”

Mr Farage told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that he had sent a text message to the former president.

The Prime Minister said: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.

“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak said: “Horrified by the attack in Pennsylvania.

“In a democracy, you must be able to speak freely and stand for what you believe in.

“Violence and intimidation must never be allowed to prevail.

“My thoughts and prayers are with President Trump and the victims of this appalling attack.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the Government “condemns all forms of political violence in the strongest terms”.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “As we monitor the shocking developments in Pennsylvania, our thoughts and best wishes are with President Trump – along with every victim and their families.”

Former Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson said it was “a miracle that Donald Trump escaped an attempted assassination”.

Writing on social media, he added: “As we give thanks for his safety we are reminded once again of the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason.

“Our thoughts are with the president and the Trump family.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: “Political violence is wrong.

“I am shocked to wake up to these awful scenes from Pennsylvania and my thoughts are with the victims and their families.

“We must all condemn this appalling attempt on Donald Trump’s life.”

Mr Trump was showing a chart of border crossing numbers when bangs started ringing out after 6.10pm local time.

The ex-president could be seen grimacing and reaching with his right hand towards the side of head, before blood appeared on his face.

He ducked and was surrounded by Secret Service agents, before rising to his feet and pumping his fist in the air, to cheers from the crowd.

The FBI named 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the gunman.

A motive has not yet been identified, but authorities are treating the shooting as an assassination attempt.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident and spoke to Mr Trump several hours after the shooting, the White House confirmed.

He called the shooting “sick”, adding: “There’s no place in America for this type of violence.”

It was the most serious attempt to assassinate a US president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.