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Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has condemned the assassination attempt on the United States of America’s former president and Republican party presidential candidate for the November elections, Mr Donald Trump, describing the incident as an act of cowardice.

Mr Trump escaped a gun attack on Saturday while addressing a rally in Pennsylvania, which left one person dead. His attacker has been identified as a lone actor, Thomas Matthew Crooks (20), from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who was shot dead at the scene. 

In a letter addressed to the United States President, Mr Joe Biden, expressing the country’s shock over Mr Trump’s attack, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the American people following the incident that shook the whole world.

 “Your Excellency, Zimbabwe followed the news of the attack on the former United States of America President and presumptive Republican Party presidential candidate, Mr Donald Trump, with shock and revulsion,” said President Mnangagwa. 

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you, my heartfelt sympathy and condemnation of the cowardly attack, which also led to loss of life.”

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the government and people of the United States in the wake of this unfortunate and tragic development while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

“We wish the former President and the others who were injured, a speedy recovery, and express our condolences to the family of the deceased. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” he said.

Other global leaders have also condemned the attack on Mr Trump saying democracy has no room for political violence as America is set to hold elections in November.

Political analyst Mr Teddy Ncube said President Mnangagwa’s condemnation of the attack on Mr Trump is a sign of statesmanship.

“President ED Mnangagwa’s issuance of a message of solidarity to the USA in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump during a campaign rally is emblematic of astute diplomatic finesse and statesmanship. 

“This gesture underscores Zimbabwe’s steadfast commitment to international diplomacy, characterised by principles of impartiality and non-interventionism,” said Mr Ncube.

“By extending solidarity, President Mnangagwa reaffirms Zimbabwe’s proactive engagement in global affairs, positioning the nation as a responsible and constructive participant on the international stage. 

“Such diplomatic overtures align strategically with Zimbabwe’s broader agenda of engaging and re-engaging with the global community, fostering mutual respect and cooperation amid geopolitical challenges.”

Mr Ncube said the diplomatic gesture provides profound lessons for Zimbabweans emphasising the imperatives of political tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Former journalist and political analyst, Mr Methuseli Moyo, said in commiserating with Americans, President Mnangagwa has proved that Zimbabwe belongs to a community of nations.

“Zimbabwe is a member of the community of nations, and the President’s letter to his US counterpart on the occasion of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is in line with international diplomacy. 

“In addition, the letter signifies the high considerations that Zimbabwe has for the US and peace in general. It is a good gesture by the President,” said Mr Moyo.

The assassination attempt on Mr Trump is not an exclusive incident in the history of America as four other sitting Presidents were killed while in office. On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy, who was America’s 35th President was shot dead as he rode a motorcade in Dallas Texas, becoming the fourth president to be assassinated.

Before him, the 25th President William McKinley became the third leader to be assassinated after he was fatally shot at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York on September 6, 1901.

President James Garfield became the second leader to be assassinated as he was shot on July 2, 1881, and would die on September 19. It is said that President Garfield never recovered from the gun wounds he suffered following an attempt on his life.

President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US leader became the first victim of assassination as the American president as he was shot on April 14, 1865, while attending a special performance of the comedy at Ford Theatre in Washington D.C and would die nine hours later.

Of the four assassinated Presidents, three of them belonged to the Republican Party save for President Kennedy, who was a Democratic Party member. —@nqotshili