Jokowi Reacts to Donald Trump's Shooting: 'Violence Is Not Justified in a Democracy'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi reacted to the shooting incident of the former President of the United States, Donald Trump. The head of state also expressed prayers for the recovery of the US presidential candidate from the Republican Party.

"I am shocked and saddened by the shooting incident of former President Donald Trump today," said Jokowi in a written statement shared on X, Sunday, July 14, 2024. "All forms of violence cannot be justified in democratic life throughout the world."

Jokowi prayed for Trump's recovery, as well as everyone who was a victim of this incident. Trump was targeted by numerous gunfire on Saturday, July 13, 2024, while campaigning in the state of Pennsylvania.

The former president was shot in his right ear while a campaign participant and the shooter died. The Secret Service of Trump's Guards, as quoted by Reuters, said that two other spectators were also injured in the shooting at the rally.

United States Federal Investigators (FBI) identified former president Donald Trump's shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks. The motive for the shooting is not yet known. The shooter was then shot dead by Secret Service agents.

Cooks is a 20 year old man from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Bethel Park is a predominantly white and relatively wealthy city in the southern part of Pittsburgh. Butler, Trump's campaign location, is about an hour's drive from Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania voter records list Thomas Matthew Crooks with the same address and date of birth as a Republican, although it's unclear when that happened.

Investigators are prioritizing efforts to find the motive for the perpetrator's actions. Law enforcement in the US is also determining whether the shooter had any accomplices.

American leaders have been targeted by shootings several times. President Ronald Reagan was the last president to be shot before Trump. Reagan was shot about two months after being inaugurated.

While leaving the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D. C., on March 30, 1981, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. with a 22 caliber pistol and “destroyer” bullets. Reagan survived despite being injured.

Hinckley was arrested and tried. The court declared him not guilty by reason of mental disorder.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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