Dutch PM ‘shocked’ by Trump assassination attempt; Condemns all political violence

THE HAGUE – Several politicians expressed their support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday night after he was shot at during a campaign rally. Trump was injured but is otherwise doing well. At least two people, including 20-year-old shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, were killed.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced on X that he was shocked by the attack on Donald Trump. “It is a relief that he escaped with minor injuries. I wish him and his loved ones every strength for their recovery. My thoughts are with everyone involved,” the Prime Minister wrote. Furthermore, the Dutch Prime Minister emphasized that political violence is “completely unacceptable.”

“Violence never, never, never belongs in a democracy,” wrote D66 MP Jan Paternotte. “The attack on Trump is dramatic for American democracy. I hope that he recovers quickly, that the culprits are brought to justice, and that Americans can make their choice in November without further violence.”

PVV leader Geert Wilders tweeted an emoji of a muscle-flexing person next to a photo of Trump raising his fist after being taken from the stage. Wilders also wrote “God Bless America.”

Wilders also wrote that this kind of attack could also happen in the Netherlands, especially against right-wing politicians. “Don’t underestimate it. The hatred towards right-wing politicians is also unprecedented in our country. Their security should be significantly increased where necessary,” he said on X.

D66 leader Rob Jetten said on X on Sunday morning that the presidential election was now “even more dangerous.” “I hope that American politicians show the responsibility and leadership to bring people together now and stand together for their democracy,” he said.

Birgitta Tazelaar, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States, was shocked about the attack and wished Trump a quick recovery.

Other MPs, including Pepijn van Houwelingen (FVD) and Dennis Ram (PVV), shared photos and videos of Trump raising his fist.