The Kremlin commented Monday on the reported assassination attempt on U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, emphasizing that the suspect’s alleged ties to Ukraine demonstrate the consequences of “playing with fire.”
Kremlin’s Statement on the Incident
When asked about what the FBI described as an apparent attempt to assassinate Trump, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “It’s not for us to speculate on this. The U.S. intelligence agencies should address it. However, playing with fire has consequences.” His statement hinted at the ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.
Details About the Suspect
According to reports from The New York Times, Fox News, and CNN, law enforcement identified the suspect as Ryan Wissleroth, a 58-year-old from Hawaii. Social media accounts linked to Wissleroth contained posts showing clear support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
In an interview with The New York Times last year, Wissleroth shared that he had traveled to Ukraine in 2022 and spent several months there. He claimed to be working on recruiting Afghan soldiers, who had fled Taliban rule, to join the fight in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Condemns Violence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the incident, stating that political violence has no place in society. He expressed relief that Trump remained unharmed, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “I’m glad to hear Donald Trump is safe and well. My best wishes to him and his family.”
Trump’s Safety Confirmed
Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, survived what the FBI has labeled a second assassination attempt. The Secret Service detected an armed individual near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. Security personnel engaged the suspect, ensuring Trump’s safety.
