The leaders of Canada’s major political parties have expressed their shock and condemnation over the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump.
Trump was shot at shortly after taking the stage for a Pennsylvania rally Saturday evening by a gunman police have identified as 20-year old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Penn.
A bullet grazed Trump’s ear and a spectator in the stands was killed. The shooter was taken out by a law enforcement sniper.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was the first federal politician to weigh in, condemning the assassination attempt and saying he was glad the shooter was dead.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “sickened” by what happened, using the opportunity to decry political violence.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh similarly denounced political violence while also paying tribute to members of law enforcement and other first responders for their efforts in the situation.
Bloc Québecois leader Yves-François Blanchet shared his condolences with the family of the victim and the United States’ “shaken citizens,” while defending democracy over “hate and violence.”
Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, said her thoughts were with Trump and all Americans following the “senseless act of violence.”
Trump is set to take the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis., which kicks off Monday.
