Taoiseach: Trump attack a 'heinous act of political violence'

Simon Harris says leadership needed to remove toxicity from political life across the world

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is helped off the stage after the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania. Picture: AP Photo/Gene J Puskar

The Taoiseach has condemned the assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump as a "heinous act of political violence".

Speaking on BBC Northern Ireland's Sunday Politics, Simon Harris said: “What we've seen happen in Butler, Pennsylvania has been truly shocking. 

"I'm relieved that Donald Trump is secure and well, and of course, my thoughts are with all of those who've been injured, most particularly with the innocent spectator who has been killed.

Political violence must always be condemned and always be called out, and I must say it is quite alarming the rise that we're seeing in political violence across the world. 

"It's only weeks since my Slovakian counterpart [Robert Fico] had an attempt on his life as well," he said.

Mr Harris said that he was heartened to hear that Mr Trump had spoken to US President Joe Biden and said that the incident must see a reflection on the level of political discourse.

"I think one glimmer of hope we saw last night, in what were very, very chilling moments, was the fact that two fierce political rivals, President Biden and former President Trump, did speak.

“It's so important that that happened. It's so important that political violence is condemned. And of course, I want to send former President Trump our very best wishes and his family and all of those who were caught up with this horrific heinous criminal act last night,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Harris said that leadership is needed to remove toxicity from political life across the globe.

One spectator was killed and two others were critically wounded.

The FBI later identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, the Associated Press reported.

Officials have not publicly disclosed a possible motive.