Opinion: Assassination Stage on Donald Trump
As I read the headline on the Daily Post, a Nigerian newspaper, I was surprised. And for the next minute I thought of the future.
Sunday, July 13, 2024, at around 6:51 WAT, I was startled to read about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
No matter one’s opinion of Trump — his comments or actions — no one should carry out such action against such personality in our society, especially in a nation like the United States.
The shocking images of a bloodied Trump are deeply unsettling. I inquired intrinsically, “Has it really come to this?”
During the recent presidential debate, a surged patterns came from opinions about who should lead the United States forward. Some support candidate A, while others seek a neutral figure. New politicians who are younger in age and less pressured in their promises and speeches.
However, the act of a 20-year-old, Thomas Matthew Crooks, attempting to assassinate Trump, is alarming, loud and unacceptable.
Trump’s supporters pointed fingers at Biden, accusing him of incitement following his “bullseye” comment. The media, a critical tool for public knowledge, must present a balanced narrative to protect the audience perception and how it widely influences the society.
The fact that a young man in his early twenties could commit to that underscores the powerful influence of media. It reflects the extent to which media narratives can shape perceptions and drive individuals to extreme actions. Which serves as sometimes, an enigma.
The United States, while on the brink of choosing its next leader, must ensure clarity and proper media management to avoid instilling fear and hatred in its citizens towards the individuals put forward.
During further analysis, Wes Morgan, a neighbour of the alleged shooter in Bethel Park, expressed his shock. “It’s insane to think someone capable of an assassination attempt lived so close.” It highlights the extreme political the Penns neighbourhood must have been living in.
Melania Trump released a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude to the officers who protected Trump.
World leaders condemned the attack. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “appalling” and stressed that political violence has no place in society. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida echoed these stances, emphasizing the need for peaceful political processes. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned this violent act during the Rally.
Christopher Rhodes, a lecturer at Harvard, argued that this incident provides Trump an opportunity to prioritize the nation’s peace and security over personal ambition. He emphasized the need for stricter firearm regulations.
Noting that the gun used in the shooting has been linked to multiple mass shootings in the U.S, this tragic event is a stark reminder of the deep divisions and the potential for violence in political discourse and the incited fears amongst others in reality.
