What we know. Events: Trump appears to have been shot. He was bleeding. He is ok now. The picture and video of his defiant fist bump and calls to “fight” will define the campaign and lots more. Reports of others injured but more details to come. Campaign falllout: Trump’s defiance in the face of this contrasts with Biden and deep questions of his age and strength and might transform the campaign. Already dangerous social media posts blaming Dems and left for this means we could see a surge of political violence. Let’s hope all leaders condemn violence. Questions now: 1. Who did it and why? 2. How did security fail to stop it? 3. Who else hit? 4. Impact on campaign? 5. History of political violence in the US is long… does this escalate political violence in the US? More political violence and shootings expected? The fall out has just begun. We will cover in GZERO 6.
BREAKING: Donald Trump's ear appeared to be bleeding as he was rushed from the stage by the Secret Service following a series of loud pops during a rally in Pennsylvania. A Secret Service spokesman said in a statement that Mr. Trump “is safe.” We are watching this closely.
Michael Buehler
3mo
To reference Obama's statement, we need to return to civility. When we have politicians and justices talking about assassinations and dictators, while they may think they are using the statements rhetorically, there are deranged individuals out there who will take them seriously. Democracy is NOT on the ballot, Trump and Biden are NOT Hitler, we will have another election in 2028 and 2032, American democracy is far stronger than politicians of both sides want to admit. We should embrace our better angels as Lincoln hoped.
Agika Milner
3mo
If Americans vote for Trump because of the attempted assination, then they will have their reckoning 😟
Stephen Brown
3mo
That looked really close! Glad he’s ok.
Ian Williams
3mo
Trump's Reichstag? But if Biden ordered it, it of course legal per SCOTUS!
Eurasian Security and Geopolitical Risk | Eurasia Group Analyst | Author of “Stalin’s Millennials” (2022) | “The Implications of Emerging Technologies in the Euro-Atlantic Space” [contrib.] (2023) | Girl Security Mentor
3moAhhh, this is going to get ugly and also, by the same token, boost his chances tenfold. A very, very foolish move by the “mastermind” behind this recklessness… And yes, fully condemn all forms of violence irrespective of one’s political beliefs, party affiliation, etc. Violence is not the answer.