Anthony Albanese responds to ‘confronting’ Donald Trump shooting
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, warning the political furore was “not unique” to the US.
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Anthony Albanese has given a warning on Australia’s domestic political climate following the shocking assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.
While the presumptive Republican candidate for the November presidential election is “fine” following the attack, the 78-year-old was dramatically whisked off stage by Secret Service agents, and was seen with blood on his ear and cheek.
US law enforcements have since confirmed the shooter and a rally attendee have died following the attack.
Speaking to reporters about four hours after the incident, Mr Albanese said he was “shocked by the terrible scenes” and was “relieved” Mr Trump was safe.
“Let us be clear, the people at this event, the candidate, the crowd, the free press covering it, we’re all participating in the democratic process,” he said.
“In Australia as in the United States, the essence and the purpose of our democracies is that we can express our views, debate our disagreements and resolve our differences peacefully.”
Urging for calm and unity, he “unequivocally” condemned the “inexcusable attack,” however said the “escalation of rhetoric” of some political debate and discourse was not isolated to the US, listing instances such as the vandalism of electorate offices of Australian MPs.
“These things can escalate, which is why they need to be called out unequivocally and opposed,” he said.
“It is a phenomenon not unique to the United States and I just say, we should be able to have political discussion and do it respectfully, and that is really important.”
Mr Albanese’s own Sydney Marrickville office has been closed for months due to ongoing pro-Palestinian protesters.
In Melbourne, vandals have smashed the windows and graffitied the walls of Labor Macnamara MP Josh Burns’ office, with all sides of politics condemning the act.
“The sort of incidents that we’ve seen outside some electorate offices are inappropriate,” Mr Albanese continued.
“People can express their views democratically, whether that be in favour of issues, or against issues.
“We have peaceful demonstrations are fine. Some of the incidents that we’ve seen, certainly, are not. They’ve crossed the line.
“There is nothing to be served by some of the escalation of rhetoric that we see in some of our political debate … and I just say we should be able to have political discussion and disagreement do it respectfully, and that is really important.”
Mr Albanese also confirmed he had spoken to US Ambassador Kevin Rudd and said the former prime minister has received a “response of appreciation for Australia’s concern.
Mr Rudd is also due to attend the Republican National Convention later this week, where it’s expected Mr Trump will be confirmed as the Republican presidential candidate.
Sharing a statement in the hour after the shooting, Mr Rudd echoed Mr Albanese’s sentiments.
“All Australians are shocked by the attack on former President Trump at his campaign rally this evening in Pennsylvania,” he said.
“Violence has no place in our democracies. It is a relief to see that President Trump is safe.
“Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
— Kevin Rudd AC (@AmboRudd) July 13, 2024
Former prime minister Scott Morrison said he was “saddened, shocked and appalled” at the assassination attempt.
“Prayers for him and his family today, as well as all those who put their own lives at risk to protect those in public life,” he said.
“Prayers also for America and its people, a great democracy and our great friend, at this difficult time.”
The dramatic scenes of Mr Trump being escorted offstage after reports of gun shots has interrupted a live interview of Jim Chalmers on Sky News.
The Treasurer was speaking to Kieran Gilbert before the station turned to live coverage of the dramatic events during an election rally in Pennsylvanian.
Asked to comment on the rapidly unfolding events, Dr Chalmers said he hoped the presidential candidate was “okay”.
“I mean, these are extraordinary scenes, and I hope that former President Trump is okay,” he said.
“You can see the professionalism with which the Secret Service has responded to that. I think it’s heartening to see that he had his arm up and he was able to he was mobile, that we hope that he is okay.
“These are extraordinary scenes, and no doubt you’ll be covering this now through the day.”
Earlier in the interview, Dr Chalmers was asked about the “likely” prospects about a second Trump presidency and said Australia would work with whoever wins on November 5.
“I’m not going to make predictions about the outcome of the US election. It’s obviously a matter for the American people and the Australian government,” he said.
“The Australian people will work closely with whoever the Americans choose to lead them from the beginning of next year at the elections in November.”
Appearing on ABC’s Insiders, Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said he was “pleased” that Mr Trump was safe, and warned against the spread of misinformation amid the breaking news event.
“The willingness to wait for the facts is something that is often not there and the misinformation, once it spreads, can be very difficult to undo,” he said.
“Every democracy, the starting points that we have a shared set of facts. That is, you know, why it is important for me not to speculate in any way.
“More information will come through.”
Originally published as Anthony Albanese responds to ‘confronting’ Donald Trump shooting
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