Press Release
The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) joins with other organizations, agencies, groups, individuals, and institutions worldwide in expressing strong and unequivocal condemnation of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. Mr. Trump was rushed to a local hospital by the Secret Service and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. Reportedly, one rally attendee was killed, and several were injured. On-site law enforcement shot and killed the shooter, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. According to the Secret Service, Crooks attacked the former President from an elevated position outside the rally venue at a farm show in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Secret Service agency said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The IDC condemns this recent brutal and despicable act as a senseless and unjustified criminal action aimed at instilling fear among innocent citizens and elected officials while undermining free speech and the democratic process. We are deeply saddened that gun violence continues to be a scourge in American society, affecting individuals indiscriminately due to the widespread proliferation of firearms. Regardless of political inclinations, these actions should be regarded as senseless and lawless, perpetrated in defiance of societal norms.
President Joseph Biden:
“I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it”
.
Vice-President Kamala Harris: “Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “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”. Former Pres. George W Bush: “Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life, and we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.” Former Pres. Barak Obama: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy and we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt”.
Former Pres. Bill Clinton: “Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service.”
“IDC would like to commend law enforcement and medical services for their prompt and diligent efforts in mobilizing the situation. We fully support all measures taken to subdue the perpetrator(s) and to restore security, calm, and confidence. We share the common belief that such callous and uncivilized crimes against innocent people cannot diminish the desire and courage to live peacefully with dignity and hard-won freedoms.
– Dr. Nicole Bissessar, Director
of Community Cultural Affairs, Indian Diaspora Council.