Donald Trump’s living predecessors denounced the assassination attempt on the 45th president Saturday evening.
“There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy,” former President Barack Obama, a Democrat who served two terms just before Trump’s one term, posted on X.
“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics,” Obama added. “Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
Obama has been a Trump critic and supporter of President Joe Biden, his vice president for eight years, in the 2024 presidential race.
Former President George W. Bush, a Republican who hasn’t been supportive of nor publicly opposed to Trump, also condemned political violence.
“Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life,” Bush said in a statement. “And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response.”
The 42nd president, Bill Clinton, whose wife Hillary Clinton lost to Trump in the 2016 presidential race, also weighed in.
“Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process,” Clinton said. “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.”
The assassination attempt occurred about 6:11 p.m. Saturday at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was wounded by a bullet that apparently struck his right ear when he turned his head while speaking.
Former President Jimmy Carter did not directly address the attack on Trump, but his Carter Center issued a statement asserting that Americans should be able to be safe when gathering for a peaceful rally.
Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other political leaders from both parties denounced the attempted assassination.
This article has been corrected after a quote was erroneously attributed to former President Bill Clinton.