During a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the stage after what appeared to be gunshots. Trump, with a visible wound on his ear, defiantly raised his fist before being taken away by security.
The extent of Trump’s injuries is unknown; a campaign spokesperson stated that the former president “is fine and is being evaluated at a local medical facility.” The impact of the incident on his campaign is uncertain, but historically, such events have tended to boost his popularity.
Assassination attempts on populist leaders have often led to increased public support for them.
After being shot in the leg at a rally, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan saw a surge in support as he was seen as a lone fighter against corruption.
In 2018, Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro was stabbed at an event but later won elections with backing from voters who viewed him as a survivor of a murder attempt by their opponents.
President Ronald Reagan also received public sympathy and support after an assassination attempt, which helped him implement significant economic policies.
Scholars have noted a rise in political assassinations in recent years, with several attempts on officials in the U.S. and globally. Following the killing of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, experts pointed to “accelerationists” intent on causing social turmoil through destabilizing political systems.
After the incident at his rally, an image of a bloodied Trump defiantly raising his fist circulated on social media, applauded by supporters. Details on Trump’s condition and the events in Butler, Pennsylvania, are awaited, along with the implications for his popularity and the upcoming 2024 election.
