Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald Trump: Latest Updates and reactions from America

July 14, 2024 at 8:44 pm
by News Desk
in Crime, Living, Personal, Politics, Thai World, Thailand
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Former President Donald Trump was shot and wounded during a rally, narrowly escaping with his life. As America reels, leaders call for unity amid rising security concerns and questions about how the shooter got so close.

America, a politically polarised nation, was breathing a sigh of relief on Sunday after Saturday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The fact that the 78-year-old was bloodied and hit in the ear by the shooter highlights what a close-run thing it was. The reactions from the political establishment have been to call for unity. Nonetheless, questions are being asked about how the shooter was able to use an M16 rifle multiple times, killing one person in the audience and wounding the former president and leading candidate in the 2024 election.

attempted-assassination-of-former-president-donald-trump-latest-updates-and-reactions-from-america — Security Service agents whisked President Trump from the speaking platform on Saturday. The Republican presumptive nominee for the November Presidential election was later confirmed as having been hit in the ear. Observers suggest it was a miraculous escape, with some photos still showing the bullet in flight towards his head. (*Source: Trump Campaign and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)*)

Washington D.C., Saturday – Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The incident, which left Trump injured and one spectator dead, has shocked the nation and sparked a wave of reactions from political figures and the public alike.

The incident which saw America on a knife edge

The attempted assassination occurred during Trump’s campaign rally in Butler. Trump was addressing a crowd when shots rang out.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was seen crawling on a rooftop near the rally venue. Crooks fired multiple shots, one of which grazed Trump’s ear, causing minor injuries.

One eyewitness at the scene described the shooter as having an M16 rifle.

The Secret Service quickly responded to the threat, shooting and killing Crooks on the spot. Despite the lethal response, the gunman managed to cause significant chaos and injury.

One adult male in the audience was killed, and two other spectators were critically injured. The authorities have not released details about the injuries of the surviving victims.

Trump’s reaction has been one of Thanks

In a statement released after the incident, Trump emphasised the importance of unity in the face of such threats.

‘In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united,’ Trump said. ‘We will fear not.’ He described the experience of being shot in the ear, noting it felt like a ‘bullet ripping through skin.’

Trump also expressed his gratitude to the Secret Service for their swift action and thanked God for preventing a greater tragedy.

FBI and Secret Service investigation

The FBI has named Crooks as the gunman and is leading the investigation into the assassination attempt.

At a news conference, an FBI agent described it as ‘surprising’ that Crooks was able to open fire.

The incident has raised serious questions about the security measures in place at the rally and how the gunman managed to breach them.

Eyewitness accounts highlight the security lapse

A witness told the BBC that he saw a man with a rifle crawling on a roof before the shots were fired and that he tried to warn the police.

This account has been corroborated by video footage showing the gunman on the roof.

The scene at the rally quickly turned chaotic, with attendees ducking for cover and Secret Service agents swarming the stage.

Political reaction has emphasised the need for unity

The attempted assassination has drawn widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum.

President Joe Biden denounced the attack, calling it ‘an affront to democracy.’ In a statement, Biden said, ‘Violence has no place in our political process. We must all stand together to ensure that such acts are never tolerated.’

Republican leaders have also rallied behind Trump, expressing their shock and dismay.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated, ‘This is a dark day for our nation. We must uphold the principles of democracy and ensure the safety of all political leaders, regardless of their party affiliation.’

Secret Service is now under severe Scrutiny

The Secret Service has come under intense scrutiny following the incident.

The Oversight Committee in the US Congress has summoned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify, demanding answers about how the gunman managed to get so close to Trump.

‘Americans demand answers about the assassination attempt on President Trump,’ the committee said in a statement.

Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, denied allegations that Trump’s security team had requested additional resources that were rebuffed.

He emphasised that the agency had increased protective measures and capabilities in light of the increased campaign travel.

Public Reaction has been one of shock

The public reaction to the assassination attempt has been one of widespread shock and concern.

Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for Trump, with many users expressing relief that he was unharmed.

At the same time, the incident has sparked debates about political violence and the divisive nature of contemporary American politics.

‘I can’t believe this is happening,’ said Mary Johnson, a Trump supporter from Texas. ‘I’m just grateful he’s okay. This just shows how dangerous things have become.’

Future Implications of What Happened in Butler Pennsylvania

As the investigation continues, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump is likely to have far-reaching implications. Security protocols for political figures will undoubtedly be reevaluated and strengthened.

Moreover, the incident may influence the upcoming elections, galvanising Trump’s supporters and potentially impacting voter sentiment.

Trump, known for his resilience and defiance, is expected to address the public soon, possibly using the incident to underscore his narrative of being a target for standing up against the political establishment.

America has been put on notice by the shooting

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday marks another grim moment in American political history.

As the nation including the polarised electorate and indeed media, struggles to react to the immediate aftermath, the assassination attempt has put the United States on notice. All public figures must be protected. This is imperative to safeguard democratic principles.

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There is rising concern about the week ahead, in particular, the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jailed Trump stalwart Steve Bannon, before his incarceration, expressed concerns that security for the event was not going to be tight enough.

Undoubtedly, no matter what side of the political divide you are on, it was fortunate that the former president was not killed on Saturday. Certainly, incumbent President Biden’s message and quick appeal for calm were appropriate.