The United States and the entire world were shaken by the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Details of the attack, where Trump was hit in the right ear by a bullet, were widely reported. Moreover, the attack also left one person dead, a 50 years old man, and seriously injured two other spectators at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
FBI investigators quickly revealed that the shooter acted alone and had legally acquired a semi-automatic rifle. He is Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20 years old, from Bethel Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The young man left no clue as to his motivations. He was shot dead after opening fire.
But how could this attack take place? “The question (of monitoring the roof where the shooter was) is, should they have anticipated what happened? […] This remains an open question,” the president said during a television interview Monday evening. However, he praised the agents who “risked their lives” during the shootings, and said he himself felt “safe with the Secret Service”.
CNN said last Monday that the building where the shooter was located had not been examined by the secret service. However, according to NBC News, this same roof had been identified as presenting a “potential vulnerability”. Furthermore, according to the secret service cited by the New York Times, local police were present inside the building during the meeting.
Reactions from Republicans and others
Former President Joe Biden called for easing political tensions in the United States. This assassination attempt sparked numerous renewed debates about violence in American politics. The event highlighted the growing tensions in the country. Indeed, it occurred in a context of a tense electoral campaign, approximately four months before the American presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024. The event caused shock waves in the country.
Donald Trump seems to have maintained a combative and determined posture in his speech. Right after the attack, as he was being evacuated, Trump raised his fist and shouted “Fight!” several times to the crowd, showing his desire to continue the political fight despite the attack. This resolute attitude shows how ready he is to face the most extreme challenges to defend his political beliefs. By refusing to be intimidated by this violent attack, Trump is sending a clear message to his opponents and supporters: he will not back down from violence or threats, and will continue to fight for what he believes in. His determination to stay the course without wavering shows how determined he is to advance his ideas.
Some Trump supporters reacted to recent events, cheering him as he arrived at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, on Monday, chanting “USA” as he entered, where he was officially named the party’s nominee, and calling him a martyr or a miracle. However, it is important to know that not all Trump supporters had this reaction, as some condemned the attack and called for national unity.
And after, are politicians safe?
It is clear that this assassination attempt will have significant repercussions on the American political landscape and beyond. The question of political polarization and its consequences is also a controversial subject that needs to be explored, in order to promote a more peaceful and respectful climate within society. This attack should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting democracy and the fundamental values.
Ultimately, this assassination attempt did not weaken Donald Trump, but on the contrary galvanized him and strengthened his determination to lead his political fight. It shows that, even in the face of the most extreme adversity, Trump remains a great adversary, ready to defend his ideals to the end.
