Marcos, world leaders condemn ‘political violence’

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —photo from Jean Mangaluz

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday joined other world leaders in condemning the assassination attempt on former US President and Republican contender Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Marcos expressed “great relief” that Trump had survived the attempt on his life.

“It is with great relief that we receive the news that former President Donald Trump is fine and well after the attempt to assassinate him,” he said.

READ: Trump on assassination attempt: ‘God alone…prevented the unthinkable’

“Together with all democracy loving peoples around the world, we condemn all forms of political violence,” the President added. “The voice of the people must always remain supreme.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Marcos also said.

Other leaders, also posting on X, expressed their best wishes for Trump.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “The incident at former President Trump’s campaign event in Pennsylvania today is concerning and confronting. There is no place for violence in the democratic process. I am relieved to hear reports that former President Trump is now safe.”

China’s foreign ministry in a statement on Sunday said “President Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences to former President Trump.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump. Strongly condemn the incident. Violence has no place in politics and democracies. Wish him speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured and the American people.”

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “We must stand firm against any form of violence that challenges democracy. I pray for former President Trump’s speedy recovery.”

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Facebook: “I was shocked to hear about the assassination attempt on Mr. Donald Trump. I am relieved to hear reports that he is safe and recovering well. Our thoughts are also with the family of the deceased and those injured and impacted by the senseless attack. We should never resort to violence regardless of any differences of views.”

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said “I am appalled by the hideous act of political violence. I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery. The people of Korea stand in solidarity with the people of America.”

‘Dark hours’

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching Te also said on X: “My thoughts and prayers are with former US President Trump and I wish him a swift recovery. Political violence of any form is never acceptable in our democracies. I offer my sincere condolences to the victims affected by the attack.”

Leaders of Washington’s allies in the West also condemned the shooting, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock saying that “In these dark hours for American democracy, my thoughts are with the victims of the attack. I wish Donald Trump and the other injured a speedy recovery.”