Mallikarjun Kharge condemns attack on Donald Trump at Pennsylvania rally, says he is 'deeply appalled'

Mallikarjun Kharge. File Pic

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the attack on former US President Donald Trump during the latter's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday and said that he was 'deeply appalled' by the incident.

The Congress President also emphasised that such violence has no place in any democracy and civilised society.

The shooting incident, which occurred on Saturday during a rally being held by Donald Trump in Pennsylvania's Butler, claimed one life and left the former US President injured.

Taking to 'X', Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, "Deeply appalled by the attack on former US President Donald Trump. I strongly condemn this heinous act."

He also offered his condolences to the family of the deceased.

"Such violence has no place in any democracy and civilised society. As India stands with the American people, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased," he added.

The gunfire incident, occurring months before the 2024 US presidential elections, disrupted Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, CBS News reported. Trump was immediately escorted off stage by US Secret Service agents and taken away in a motorcade. In videos that went viral on social media, Trump could be seen bleeding from his ear, reported ANI.

One spectator succumbed to the bullet injuries, CNN reported.

Trump, taken away in a motorcade, held up a fist as he sat in the SUV. His motorcade departed Butler Memorial Hospital a little before 9:30 pm (local time), CBS News cited two sources. It was unclear where Trump was headed. Initially, he was scheduled to travel to his estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, before heading to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, which is set to begin on Monday, reported ANI.

In a statement, the US Secret Service said a suspected shooter fired multiple shots towards the stage from an elevated position outside the Pennsylvania rally venue during Trump's campaign rally in Butler on July 13 at 6:15 pm (local time), reported ANI.

The US Secret Service personnel neutralised the shooter, who is now dead. According to the statement, one spectator was killed, another critically injured, and the incident is being investigated.Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the incident, stating he was "deeply concerned" for his friend, Donald Trump, reported ANI.

Taking to 'X', PM Modi wrote, "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 a speedy recovery."

The Prime Minister also condoled the loss of life during the Pennsylvania rally, adding, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased, those injured, and the American people."

(With inputs from ANI)