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Even those who do not follow US politics have likely heard about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, former US president and current Republican presidential candidate. Recent videos circulating on social media, showing the moment a bullet grazed Trump’s right ear. Following the sound of gunfire, Secret Service agents rushed to cover Trump from incoming bullets. Following the shooting, he was ushered out with several triumphant fist pumps.
Following the assassination attempt, Kimberly Cheatle, director of the Secret Service resigned due to mounting criticism and handling of the event. Politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have called for an investigation and a renewed pressure to protect political figures
The attempted assassination has already altered the course of US political history.
Attempted Assassinations and Their Unexpected Results
The 2024 presidential elections have garnered much attention, prior to Trump’s attempted assassination. Since his foray into politics, Trump has been the subject of controversy due to his views and how he expresses them. Now, the attempted assassination seems to have further polarized US politics, with his supporters rallying to his side and his critics wary of criticizing a man who has just been short.
Two recent assassination attempts also served to bolster two political figures. In May, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survived 4 gunshot wounds and world leaders came to his defense, solidifying his position. And Jair Bolsonaro, who in 2018 was running for president of Brazil, survived a stabbing and went on to win the election.
According to Bloomberg, studies show that victims of attempted political assassinations tend to boost their political backing.
The Destabilizing Effect of Political Assassinations (and Attempted Assassinations)
Trump, is not the first political figure to be targeted, of course. Four sitting US presidents — Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy — were all victims of assassinations, while several other leaders have survived assassination attempts. Similarly, political assassinations have taken place in countries around the world, as far back as Julius Caesar.
Political assassinations (both attempted and successful) not only can alter the outcome of elections but also undermine the basic principles of human rights. Such political violence, can destabilize societies, especially within democracies, where people have the power to choose elected officials.
Assassinations can also divert significant financial resources toward the security of political figures — resources that could otherwise be used for education, infrastructure, and other societal needs. While detracting from society, assassinations cause politicians to fear for their lives, further destabilizing the basis of democracy.
Political figures who are fortunate enough to survive assassination attempts may see their popularity soar. However, societies as a whole can suffer, while governments must do whatever is in their power to discourage and prevent political assassination attempts. Education programs, eliminating incitement from media and political parties, federal and local safety enforcement, and private security are all options that can help discourage the targeting of political figures.