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Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said
Sunday that the assassination attempt on former United States
President and Republic candidate Donald Trump was a warning to
everyone about how political debate should be conducted.
Trump was shot in the ear and a spectator at a rally in
Pennsylvania was killed in the attack and two other people were
wounded.
"There are limits that should never be crossed in political
debate, all over the world," Meloni, the leader of the
right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, said on Facebook.
"It is a warning to everyone, regardless of political
affiliation, (of the need) to restore dignity and honour to
politics, against all forms of hatred and violence, for the sake
of our democracies.
"Solidarity with Donald Trump, his supporters and the injured,
and my heartfelt condolences to the victim's family".
President Sergio Mattarella said the attack was cause for "grave
alarm and strong indignation.
"The violence that, for some time now, has resumed in the
political arena is a disconcerting symptom of the deterioration
of the civil fabric and the dangerous rejection of discussion,
dialogue and respect for democratic life," the Italian head of
State added in a statement.
"I wish Donald Trump and the others injured a speedy recovery
and express my condolences for the citizen who has fallen victim
to this intolerable act of hatred and an attack on freedom.
"The United States, a great democracy, will certainly respond
effectively and vigorously to any concept of violence".
Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he was
"shocked by the coming images from Pennsylvania".
"I reiterate, one again today, our deep closeness to the United
States and condemn the violence that has no place in democratic
debate," Tajani said. "I am following the developments and am in
contact with the Italian Embassy in the United States.
"I wish the 45th President of the United States Donald Trump a
speedy recovery".
Italy's opposition parties joined the condemnation.
The Holy See expressed "concern about last night's episode of
violence, which wounds people and democracy, causing suffering
and death."
It added that that it is "united in the prayer of the US bishops
for America, for the victims, and for peace in the country, that
the motives of the violent may never prevail."
"Political violence must have no place within our democracies,"
said centre-left Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein.
"We said this when there were other attacks on politicians in
Europe in recent months, and we reiterate it clearly today after
what happened in the USA.
"Those who care about democracy everywhere, in the United States
and elsewhere, must now firmly oppose all forms of hate speech
and political
violence."
The 5-Star Movement (M5S) expressed "maximum solidarity" for
Trump via a statement by its Lower House and Senate whips,
Francesco Silvestri and Stefano Patuanelli.
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini linked the
attempt to assassinate Trump to allegedly "violent tones" by
figures on the Left of the political spectrum.
"Certain violent tones by the Left risk arming the hands of the
weak-minded," Salvini, the leader of the right-wing League
party, said via social media.
"It happened in the USA, it had also happened in Italy against
(Silvio) Berlusconi," he added, apparent referring to a 2009
attack on the late Italian ex-premier that required him to have
hospital treatment after a protester threw a statuette in his
face following a rally in Milan..
"I hope it won't happen again"
The post featured a link to an interview with Rai television in
which he said: "I hope that this serves (as a lesson) to those
who sow words of hate against right-wingers, fascists, racists,
against Trump, Bolsonaro, Fico or other figures". Several
opposition politicians accused Salvini of trying to make use of
the assassination attempt for political gain.
"Salvini lashes out against those who criticize racism and
fascism, turning reality on its head, yet the person who shot
Trump was a right-wing, pro-gun militant," said PD Senator Enza
Rando.
"The attack on Trump is a very serious incident.
"It would be better to remain silent, rather than exploit it."
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