Ruto condemns attempted assassination of Trump

President William Ruto has condemned the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 17, 2024, Ruto termed the attempt as shocking, wishing him quick recovery.

“On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Kenya, I wish to add my voice to those condemning the recent attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. I extend my deepest sympathies to President Trump, his family, and the families of the victims of this shocking, heinous act,” Ruto stated.

“In these troubling times, I take this opportunity to recommit to the democratic ideals we share with the people of the United States of America. Wishing @realDonaldTrump a speedy and full recovery.”

Attempted assassination of Trump

Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania in an apparent assassination attempt on July 14, 2024.

Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his right ear, before ducking as sharp cracks – a series of shots – broke out.

Donald Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania. PHOTO/@DonaldJTrumpJr/X

He was quickly swarmed by US Secret Service agents and dragged off stage to a waiting vehicle. He raised a fist as he was bundled into the car.

In a post to his Truth Social network, the former president said a bullet pierced the “upper part” of his right ear. Earlier, his spokesperson said he was “fine” and receiving treatment at a local medical centre.

“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” he wrote. “Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.”

The FBI has named the man who shot at Donald Trump during a campaign rally as Thomas Matthew Crooks.

Crooks is alleged to have opened fire while the former US president was addressing a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania, leaving one audience member dead and two others badly hurt.

The 20-year-old was shot dead at the scene by a Secret Service sniper, officials said.

In a statement, the FBI said Crooks was the “subject involved” in the assassination attempt on the former president and that an active investigation was underway.