In a move showing international support, King Charles III penned a confidential letter to ex-President Donald Trump following an assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The letter was delivered through the UK Embassy in Washington, D.C., and its content remains undisclosed, according to Buckingham Palace.
The attack on Trump took place on the evening of July 13, 2024, when an armed individual shot at the rally, striking Trump’s ear. Trump, however, exhibited resilience amidst the mayhem, raising a bloodied fist to the crowd. “Had I not turned to look at the screen at that exact moment, we would not be talking today,” Trump recounted in an interview. The bullet that grazed his ear left Trump in a state of shock but resolute.
The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was shot dead by Secret Service agents at the location. Regrettably, a rally participant, Corey Comperatore, was killed, and two others were critically wounded.
King Charles’ letter aligns with the sentiments of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who denounced the violent act and extended his sympathy to Trump and the bereaved families. Starmer stressed that “political violence in any form has no place in our societies,” a sentiment shared by other world leaders, including President Joe Biden. Biden urged for a de-escalation in political hostility and expressed relief over Trump’s safety.
The rapport between King Charles and Trump has been recognized before. During Trump’s tenure as president, the then-Prince Charles welcomed Trump and his wife, Melania, for tea at Clarence House. Trump’s regard for the King was apparent earlier this year when he publicly prayed for Charles’ speedy recovery from cancer.
Even though King Charles’s letter remains private, it symbolizes a moment of shared concern and humanity, transcending political boundaries. The King’s act underlines the significance of international unity in times of crisis and fortifies the long-standing relationship between the UK and the US.
