Attempted Trump assassination a concern in Australia

There could be ramifications for Australia's political landscape after a second assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump.

Two months after Mr Trump was injured by a bullet at a Pennsylvania rally, the Republican candidate was the target of another assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, the FBI confirmed.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it's good Mr Trump is safe but the incident remains a concern.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese says the democratic process should always be peaceful.

"Everyone wants the democratic process to be peaceful and to be orderly," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

The event could have consequences for Australian politics, cabinet minister Clare O'Neil said.

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

"We're very lucky here and I never want Australians to lose sight of that."

Strict gun laws and a political culture, where differences are resolved at the ballot box rather than by violence, are key to Australia'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."

Mr Trump was targeted on Sunday while golfing on his course in West Palm Beach.

US Secret Service agents spotted and fired on a gunman with an AK-47-style assault rifle about 400 metres away from the presidential candidate.

Although the suspect attempted to flee, his car was spotted and he was taken into custody.

This attempt on the Republican nominee's life showed the power of words, Liberal senator Hollie Hughes said.

"We've seen suck reckless rhetoric coming from the Democrats, referring to President Trump as Hitler, as a danger to democracy," she told Sky News.

"There's a lot of tension over there at the moment and that (rhetoric) has got to be, in some way, attempted to be taken out of it."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was relieved Mr Trump wasn't injured.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Penny Wong says there's no place for political violence.

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

"This is another dreadful demonstration of potential political violence."

In July, Mr Trump's right ear was grazed and one rally-goer was killed when a gunman opened fire at a campaign event near Butler, Pennsylvania.

The shooter, identified as a 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store