What's happened
Donald Trump experienced an apparent assassination attempt while golfing in Florida on September 15, 2024. A suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended after a Secret Service agent spotted him with a rifle. This incident raises concerns about the adequacy of security measures for the former president during his campaign.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Secret Service's failure to vet the golf course before Trump's visit has raised serious questions about their operational effectiveness. Kate Kelly notes that the agency is under pressure to enhance security as Trump continues to campaign. In contrast, The Guardian highlights Trump's own account of the incident, where he praised the Secret Service for their swift response, stating, 'The secret service did a great job.' This duality in narratives reflects the ongoing debate about the adequacy of Trump's security detail. Meanwhile, Axios reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a thorough investigation into how the suspect managed to get so close to Trump, emphasizing the need for transparency in security protocols.
How we got here
This incident follows a previous assassination attempt on Trump in July 2024, where a gunman grazed his ear at a rally. The Secret Service's ability to protect Trump has come under scrutiny, especially as he continues to engage with the public during his presidential campaign.
Common question
-
What Are the Details of the Recent Assassination Attempts on Trump?
Recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump have raised significant concerns about political violence in the U.S. These incidents not only threaten Trump's safety but also reflect a growing trend of political extremism. Below, we explore the details of these attempts, the response from authorities, and the implications for the political landscape.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security charged with conducting criminal investigations and protecting the nation's leaders and their families.
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
-
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive of the 50 United States.
-
Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.