Donald Trump shooting condemned by Kent MPs

Kent MPs have condemned the “appalling” shooting of former US president Donald Trump.

Mr Trump 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 at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

The suspected gunman was killed while the Secret Service confirmed one person in the crowd had died and two others had been “critically injured”.

Sir Roger Gale, Conservative MP for Herne Bay & Sandwich, this morning posted on social media site X: “An appalling attempt on the life of Donald Trump and a stark reminder of the personal risks that those in or seeking high office take in the interests of a free democracy.

“There can be no place in civilised society for violence of any kind in politics.

“My own thoughts are with President Trump’s family and most particularly with those killed and injured in this assassination attempt.”

The alleged shooter has been identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks.

The 20-year-old was from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania, 43 miles from Butler, the site of the attempted assassination

The FBI statement says it remains an "active and ongoing investigation".

Conservative Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat also posted on X: “Whatever your politics, democracy demands freedom. Freedom to speak your mind and freedom to speak to others.

“We know the price of political violence here in the UK. We stand with those who protect those same freedoms around the world.”

Mike Martin, who this month became Kent’s first-ever Lib Dem MP as he was elected in Tunbridge Wells, says the attempted assassination could have wider ramifications.

He said: “I deplore acts of political violence equally as when they are directed at people I agree with as people I disagree with.

“But we need to recognise that the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last night, and the images associated with it, have made the re-election of DT much more likely.

“The re-election of DT puts NATO, the cornerstone of UK security, in grave peril.

“The UK government, alongside European allies, need to urgently declare how they intend to guarantee the security of the European continent (and surrounding maritime areas), without US support.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he is “appalled by the shocking scenes”.

He added: “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.”

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 X, formerly Twitter, 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.”

President Joe Biden said he hoped to speak to Mr Trump and that “everybody must condemn” the shooting.

“We cannot allow this to be happening,” Mr Biden said. “The idea that there’s violence in America like this is just unheard of.”

World leaders joined with Sir Keir in condemning the attack, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese labelling the incident “concerning and confronting”.

He said on X: “There is no place for violence in the democratic process.

“I am relieved to hear reports that former president Trump is now safe.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added that he was “sickened” by the shooting.

“It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable,” he said. “My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans.”

Former prime minister Liz Truss tweeted “Pray for President Trump” while ex-Conservative home secretary Suella Braveman described events in Pennsylvania as “appalling scenes”.

Mr Trump had been presenting a chart of border crossing numbers to the crowd then shots rang out across the crowd.

Secret service agents rushed the stage as footage from the event captured screams ringing out from the crowd.

The bangs continued as agents tended to him before Mr Trump got back up and pumped his fist before he was whisked to his motorcade to leave the venue.

Posting on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.

“Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.”

Spokesman Steven Cheung added that Mr Trump is “fine” and gives his thanks to “law enforcement and first responders for their quick action during this heinous act”.