What Does The Trump Assassination Attempt Mean For The Future of The USA?
What does this mean for the future of the USA?
On July 13, 2024, a dramatic assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump unfolded during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. As Trump was addressed the crowd, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from a nearby rooftop with an AR-15-style rifle. The attack resulted in Trump narrowly escaping death and being wounded in the upper right ear, one person killed, and two others in critical condition before Secret Service agents neutralized Crooks. This shocking event has had profound implications for the 2024 presidential election and raises serious questions about the future of political discourse and security in the United States.
Here are some crucial impacts this event will, and already has had on the US moving forward:
Immediate Reactions and Security Concerns
The attempted assassination sent shockwaves throughout the US. It immediately was the headline for basically all news channels, and sparked frustration and confusion amongst millions of US citizens. Many world powers came together to address this event, including President Joe Biden to call for the further incorporation of security service.
In the wake of the attack, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the formation of a bipartisan task force to investigate the security lapses that allowed the shooter to gain access to a vantage point. This task force will assess current security protocols and recommend reforms to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
Many people believe it an assassination attempt should not have been the reason for why their now a emphasis on security protocols, and many believe this should have been something that should have implemented long before something this drastic would even be possible to happen.
Potential Impact on the 2024 Election
The attempted assassination could significantly influence the dynamics of the 2024 presidential election in several ways:
- Increased Security Measures: The attack like previously stated, is likely to prompt a comprehensive overhaul of security measures for all presidential candidates. Campaign events may see heightened security, potentially limiting public access and altering the traditional campaign trail’s grassroots nature. This increased security could impact how candidates engage with voters, possibly leading to more virtual or controlled environments, which could hinder the public appearances and campaigns for all the candidates.
- Shift in Campaign Focus: Candidates will likely be pressured to address issues of political violence, gun control, and the tone of political rhetoric more directly in their platforms. Even though these topics were at large, and were topics that were going to be brought up regardless, these topics could now become central themes in the campaign, shaping debates and influencing voter priorities, rather than being side notes on political goals and agendas for the candidates.
- Sympathy and Support for Trump: Historically, political figures who survive assassination attempts often experience a surge of sympathy and support. Trump’s ability to quickly return to the campaign trail and project resilience may galvanize his base, increase voter turnout among his supporters, and attract undecided voters who admire his determination. Across social media, #Trump2024 has had a surge of growth after the assassination attempt, and ironically this event could have done more good than harm for Trump in his goals for winning office.
- Polarization and Misinformation: The attack has already led to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media. This could further polarize the electorate, complicating efforts to maintain a fact-based dialogue during the campaign. Candidates may need to actively combat false narratives and emphasize the importance of credible information, which could hinder their abilities to focus on their goals for office in making sure they present and bring up facts and credible information.
Although these are very crucial and significant repercussions of the assassination attempt and will have consequences for many years to come, these are some implications that are going to be more apparent in the future than now:
Political Polarization:
The incident highlights the deep political divides in the United States. If not addressed, these divisions could continue to widen, leading to more frequent incidents of political violence and instability (UPI). Bridging these divides will require concerted efforts from political leaders, media, and civil society to foster dialogue and promote understanding. Further action to not only make sure an assassination attempt like this is not only impossible, but also to combat and prevent someone having such intentions in the first place will be a topic that will be brought and emphasized in the future, which bring me to my next point:
Legislative Action on Security and Violence:
There may be renewed calls for legislative action to address the root causes of political violence, including gun control measures, mental health support, and initiatives to reduce inflammatory political rhetoric. Successfully enacting such measures will depend on bipartisan cooperation, which has been challenging in recent years (UPI) (Ultimate Classic Rock).
Impact on Democratic Institutions:
Ensuring the safety and security of political leaders is essential for the functioning of democratic institutions. The attack underscores the need to protect the electoral process and maintain public confidence in democratic governance (Wikipedia). Reforms to enhance security and resilience will be crucial for safeguarding the integrity of elections and political discourse.
Role of Social Media:
The rapid spread of misinformation following the attack highlights the influential role of social media in shaping public perception and political discourse. Efforts to combat false narratives and promote responsible information-sharing will be essential to fostering a more informed electorate (Ultimate Classic Rock). Social media platforms have huge power in politics, and may cause increased scrutiny and pressure to implement measures that curb the spread of harmful content.
Civic Engagement and Political Participation:
The incident could influence civic engagement and political participation, as voters may become more motivated to engage in the democratic process to express their views and advocate for change. Increased voter turnout and activism could shape the political landscape, encouraging candidates to address the concerns and priorities of a more engaged electorate (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing American democracy in a time of heightened political tension. Its impacts on the 2024 election and the future of the United States will depend largely on the responses of political leaders, law enforcement, and the public. By addressing the root causes of political violence and promoting a more inclusive and respectful political dialogue, the nation can work towards a more stable and secure democratic future.
Thank You for reading this article. This is at the forefront of almost all news channels, and has send waves not only throughout the US, but around the world. My goal in writing this article was to discuss the several ways that this dramatic event could have a lasting consequence on the future of the United States, and the reprocussions that comes with it. I hope I can inspire civil conversations to be held to be held under this post if any one has any comments or information they would like to add!
Here are some videos you should check out for more information on this topic if you liked my article:
Trump’s first appearance after the assassination attempt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHd447EafFY :
The assassination attempt:
The assasination attemp breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE_Y5mfcrtc
Thank You,
Mahan Nourian
