On September 15, 2024, shock struck America. Former President and now 2024 Republican President candidate, Donald Trump was a part of another assassination attempt. In the first assassination attempt, Trump was at a rally where the shooter was located on top of a building as the shooter shot at Trump he was able to graze his ear and cause a humongous ruckus. The former president has made it out untouched in both attempts and has been rushed to safety. Many people have commented on the situation, as well as his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris. She explained in an interview for the National Association of Black Journalists, “I checked on him to see if he was okay, and I told him what I have said publicly. There is no place for political violence in our country” As well as further stating how we live in a democracy and this is no way to handle any situation.
Sunday morning, the former President was at his international golf course playing. As he was finishing the fifth part of the course his secret service agents were going through the next part making sure it was clear. This was when they spotted the muzzle of what is now identified as an AK-47. The shooter, when found, ran away with Secret Service agents firing 4-5 rounds at him. He escaped to his car and proceeded on the I-95 highway until he was caught by police. The shooter had been identified as 57-year-old Ryan Weasley Routh. Routh has had encounters with the law that date back to 1990 and lesser charges, but with a notable one of possession of a weapon with mass destruction and a felony. Other incidents he has been involved in were charges of a misdemeanor, including a hit-and-run offense, resisting arrest, and a concealed weapons violation.
This year’s election has been causing lots of issues due to many people having very different views and worries for the future of their country. Some may say that the motive of the shooter was probably based on negative opinions of Trump. The shooter has now been charged with two gun charges and has been detained. There will be more to know about him in the coming days.
When speaking to fellow Saugus Student Ethan Lozin he explained how “It was crazy and wrong that someone has such a target on their back,” as well as stating how “I imagine how difficult it is for a presidential candidate with everything they have going on to worry about multiple assassination attempts.” Further stating how he hopes no other president will ever go through this struggle and maybe even stress of not being able to go out as often knowing you have a target on your back. He also mentioned that the Secret Service has a big stand in this where they have to be better and not clearing the course one ahead of where they are at but the whole entire course this is a way to maximize safety for everyone not only the former president but for everyone around him.
These past few months have been hectic for Presidential Candidate Donald Trump. While promoting his campaign, there have been extra precautions taken by the Secret Service to keep him protected. The Secret Service is trying its best to be 100% sure that no harm will happen to Trump, past presidents, or candidates. With this newfound determination, the people of America have been starting to feel better about the situation. Now with the election being right around the corner, hopefully no distractions like these occur, so the candidates can be completely focused on their campaigns. The takeaway from the situation should be to outlet frustrations and opinions in the proper way.
