Donald Trump assassination attempt: Concerns shooting could impact Australia

Kat Wong
AAP
The FBI are investigating after the Secret Service fired on a man nearby.

Another potential assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump has been condemned by Australian politicians.

The second-time presidential hopeful has been the target of “what appears to be an attempted assassination” at his golf club in Florida on Sunday, the FBI has confirmed, two months after a bullet grazed Mr Trump’s ear at a Pennsylvania rally.

Australian cabinet ministers have extended their thoughts to the Republican nominee.

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Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the incident was “absolutely awful” and reflected on its impacts on Australian politics.

“It worries me because America is such an important and powerful democracy, and it does affect us here in Australia,” she told ABC on Monday.

“We’re very lucky here and I never want Australians to lose sight of that.”

Australia’s strict gun laws and a political culture where political differences are resolved at the ballot box rather than violence have contributed to the nation’s stability.

“This is not the case in many countries in the world and it’s something precious and it’s something we’ve got to value,” Ms O’Neil said.

“It’s a little bit fragile at times and we need to support it and protect it.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was relieved Mr Trump was not injured.

“Political violence has no place in in any society - certainly has no place in a democracy,” she told ABC radio.

“This is a very this is another dreadful demonstration of potential political violence.”

A man was spotted pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope as Mr Trump was on the golf course, according to Florida authorities.

He was roughly 400 metres away from the presidential candidate when US Secret Service agents fired at him.

He was later taken into custody and Mr Trump was confirmed to be safe and well.

with AP

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