Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the alleged assassination attempt on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, emphasizing that political violence has no place “anywhere in the world.”
The condemnation comes in response to an incident on 15 September near a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was present. The FBI reported investigating a shooting at the location as a potential assassination attempt on the former president. According to US media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, CBS News, and the New York Times, the suspect has been identified as 58-year-old Ryan Root from Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials.
“Glad to learn Donald Trump is safe and uninjured. Best wishes to him and his family,” Zelenskyy wrote on X on 16 September, and added “Good that the assassination attempt suspect was quickly apprehended.”
Zelenskyy underscored the importance of legal principles, saying, “Our principle: rule of law above all, and political violence has no place anywhere in the world.” He concluded his message with hopes for everyone’s safety.
Media reports describe Root as a construction worker with a history of minor offenses. He reportedly moved to Hawaii from North Carolina several years ago and expressed support for Democrats and Ukraine on his social media pages. This included attempts to raise funds for Ukraine’s defense and recruit volunteers to fight against Russia on Ukraine’s behalf.
Some publications have suggested that Root was previously a Trump supporter who became disillusioned with the 45th US president.
The motives behind the alleged assassination attempt remain unknown.
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