World leaders have condemned the failed assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, warning there is “no place for political violence” in a democracy. 

20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Mr Trump as he spoke to supporters at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Mr Trump was shot in the upper part of his right ear – but has been discharged from hospital. 

One audience member was killed while at least two others were seriously injured. 

Mr Crooks was also shot by police snipers. 

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally following an assassination attempt. Image: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Taoiseach Simon Harris said in a statement online that it is a “relief” the former US president is safe. 

“Our hearts are with the innocent spectators killed and critically injured,” he wrote. 

“There can be no place for political violence.” 

US President Joe Biden – and currently Mr Trump’s presumed opponent in the 2024 election – said “everybody must condemn” the shooting. 

“The bottom line is that the Trump rally is a rally that should have been able to be conducted peacefully, without any problem,” he said.  

“The idea that there's political violence or violence in America like this is just unheard of, it's just not appropriate.” 

US President Joe Biden speaking to the press addressing Donald Trump's assassination attempt. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “sickened” by the shooting, echoing calls that political violence is “never acceptable”. 

Newly-elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote he is “appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally”. 

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

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also said he is “horrified” by the attack, adding that his “thoughts and prayers are with President Trump”. 

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

There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. 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.…

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 13, 2024

Former US President Barack Obama said there is “absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy”. 

“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,” he said. 

'Tragedy for our democracies'

French President Emmanuel Macron said France “shares the shock and indignation of the American people” at the shooting. 

“It is a tragedy for our democracies.” 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz said attacks like yesterday’s “threaten our democracy”. 

In a statement on social media, Mr Trump thanked the US Secret Service for their quick response and extended his condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed.