ISTANBUL:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described last week’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump as an attack on democracy, as he spoke to the former US leader over the phone, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said on Thursday.
Erdogan and Trump discussed the assassination attempt, which occurred during a US election rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, and its aftermath.
The Turkish president extended his condolences and wished Trump a speedy recovery. The attack, carried out by twenty-year-old suspect Thomas Matthew Crooks, involved gunfire from a nearby rooftop. A bullet narrowly missed Trump, passing by his right ear, before he was swiftly escorted by Secret Service agents.
Erdogan praised Trump’s bravery in continuing his schedule without interruption, emphasising that this act reinforces democracy and reflects the American people’s confidence. Despite the attack, Trump attended the Republican National Convention just two days later.
The Turkish leader also commended Trump for his efforts to reduce societal polarisation and tension, highlighting his calls for unity following the incident.
Erdogan congratulated Trump on his official nomination as the Republican Party’s candidate for the upcoming November presidential election, expressing hope that the election would bring prosperity to the American people and strengthen Türkiye-US relations.
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