Days after the presidential debate, former US President Donald Trump faces an assassination attempt while addressing a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday, 13th July,2024. The shooter, who has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Pennsylavinian man, and also a registered Republican fired multiple bullets, one of them piercing Trump’s ear before being shot dead by the Secret Service agents. This attempt has also resulted in the death of an innocent spectator while critically injuring two others. While Anthony Guglielmi, representing the Secret Service, has assured the implementation of protective measures following the attack, the question remains- How did the assailant manage to shoot from a rooftop merely 130 yards away from the stage with a clear line of sight? Why was he able to fire multiple shots before being apprehended by the security officials? The past few months have been characterised by constant to-and-forth between President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and Donald Trump, a Republican, with the opinion polls predicting a close contest between them. However, the contrasting images of Trump heroically pumping his fist in the air despite the blood flowing down his face and an ageing Biden who has appeared clueless on several occasions might tip the polls in favour of the former. Being less than four months away from the November Presidential Elections, this incident raises serious questions concerning US democracy, where guns and violence now replace ballots and votes. In the past five years, US politics has been vexed by violent outbursts, including the 2021 attack on the US Capitol. However, politicians from both parties continue to engage in violent speeches, portraying the other as fascists and pointing fingers at one another once violence ensues. Though in a statement after the attack, Trump has assured of his safety, a bigger picture reveals itself- If he does win the elections, will he reconsider his stance on gun rights? He had earlier promised to remove the restrictions placed on the procurement of guns by Biden, but whether this is a good move considering how a 20-year-old managed to get his hands on an ‘AR-style rifle’ is cast into doubt. Nevertheless, even President Biden has come forward to condemn this attack along with several other world leaders, including the Russian President, Vladimir Putin and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. However, as the intent behind the attack remains uncertain, it might get shaped into a narrative with both parties trying to win the voters in light of the presidential race.
15 Jul 2024
Paridhi Minda
