Trudeau Holds Conversation with Trump Following Assassination Attempt
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with former president Donald Trump in a call on July 14, just one day after the Republican candidate survived an assassination attempt that claimed the life of one person and injured two others.
During the call, the prime minister condemned the “appalling” attempted shooting of Mr. Trump and “reiterated there’s no place for political violence,” Mr. Trudeau’s office said in a statement.
Mr. Trudeau also wished the former president well and offered condolences to all shooting victims and to the family of Corey Comperatore, the former fire chief who was killed while shielding his family from the sniper’s bullets at the Butler, Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
Mr. Trump was hustled off the stage with a bloodied face after a bullet pierced his ear during the campaign rally, marking the first shooting of a U.S. president or presidential candidate since President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981.
The U.S. Secret Service released a statement saying the shooter had fired multiple shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue wounding Mr. Trump, killing Mr. Comperatore, and critically wounding two other rally attendees.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed by the Secret Service seconds after he allegedly fired shots toward the stage where the former president was speaking.
Canadian Leaders Condemn Shooting
Following the assassination attempt against Mr. Trump, world leaders and Canadian party leaders issued statements condemning the attack and wishing the former president well.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned “the attempted murder” of former President Trump in a post on social media.
Yves-F. Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, said he “unequivocally” denounces the attack on Mr. Trump.
“We must all stand united against political violence wherever it happens,” he said. “My thoughts are with former President Trump and his family, as well as with the other victims of this shooting.”
“It cannot be overstated—political violence is never acceptable,” he said.
Mr. LeBlanc said he met with RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, Canadian Security Intelligence Service Director David Vigneault, and Public Safety Canada officials.
“I have every confidence that they will continue to keep Canadians safe,” Mr. LeBlanc said. “However, our security agencies and law enforcement organizations stand ready to assist our U.S. counterparts in any way.”
He described political violence as “corrosive for democracy” and said Canada would always stand against such acts.
“No matter our political disagreements, violence is never the answer. Such actions are an assault on us all,” he said. “My thoughts are with the former President and all those affected by this heinous act.”
The Canadian Press, The Associated Press, Jack Phillips, and Joseph Lord contributed to this report.