World leaders condemn shooting at Trump rally

Leaders around the world have condemned the attack on former US President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday night, condemning political violence and wishing him a speedy recovery.

A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the shooting, calling it "an act of political violence".

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "We must resolutely oppose any violent act that challenges democracy."

British Prime Minister Starmer said he was "appalled" by the shocking scenes at the rally. "Political violence of any kind has no place in our society and my heart goes out to all the victims of this attack."

Ukrainian President Volodymny Zelensky said the violence was "unjustified" and that he was glad Trump was safe and wished him a speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Albanese said the shooting was "worrying and disturbing."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "sickened" by the shooting. "Political violence is never acceptable."

Similar comments were made by the leaders of Egypt, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Philippines.

French President Emmanuel Macron said: "This is a tragedy for our democracy. France shares the shock and outrage of the American people."

German Chancellor Gerhard Scholz said: "The attack on Trump is despicable. I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts are also with those affected by the attack. This violence threatens democracy."

German Foreign Minister Berberk described Trump's shooting as a dark moment for American democracy. "In a democracy, elections are decided by votes, not weapons. In this dark hour for American democracy, my heart goes out to the victims of the attack. I wish Mr. Trump and the others injured a speedy recovery."

Trump was at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday when he was shot and wounded in the right ear shortly after he began speaking. The gunman was shot dead by Secret Service personnel at the scene, killing one audience member and seriously injuring two others.

Mr Trump left Pennsylvania after being cleared and his private plane landed in New Jersey. He is scheduled to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday.