Mahmoud Abbas condemns “terroristic” assassination attempt of Donald Trump

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Abbas wished Trump a speedy recovery, and “condemned this act of terror and reaffirmed the positions of the State of Palestine, which has always rejected violence, terrorism, and extremism, regardless of its source” – according to a statement cited by the Palestine News Agency (Wafa).

Read more: VIDEO: Shots reportedly fired at Trump's rally; Former president rushed off-stage

The FBI confirmed at a late-night press conference on Saturday that the shooting targeting Trump was an assassination attempt. Kevin Rojek from the FBI addressed reporters in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was holding the rally when the shots rang out, saying, "This evening, we witnessed what we consider an assassination attempt on our former president, Donald Trump."

Trump sustained an injury to his ear. The motive behind the attack, which resulted in one death and two injuries, remains unclear. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20.

During the evacuation after the shooting, Trump, covered in blood on his right ear, raised his fist to the crowd while being escorted off the stage by security. He was taken to a medical center and later declared "safe" despite the shocking incident that could impact the upcoming presidential elections.

President Joe Biden condemned the shooting and expressed relief that Trump was "safe and well."