After the recent shooting at Butler, Pennsylvania of Donald Trump, the former president, the topic of political violence has been brought to American’s attention. Trump assured his supporters that he would be “fine” despite being grazed with a bullet.
An investigation is underway to determine if the attack was an attempted assassination.
The latest of a series of violent attacks against American politicians, which have left a permanent mark in the history of the country.
Trump is now on a targeted list
Trump’s brushes with violence are not isolated incidents, but rather part of an historical pattern. Political violence against presidents and politicians has been a part of American history for many years. It can even change the course history.
These incidents have changed the way the Secret Service looks after the President.
Assassinations in history and their effects
Abraham Lincoln John Wilkes Booth assassinated Lincoln on April 14, 1865 at Ford’s Theatre, Washington D.C. His death occurred just days after Civil War ended, and plunged America into deep mourning. It also led to an even harsher Reconstruction under Andrew Johnson.
James Garfield James Garfield was shot on July 2,1881 by Charles Guiteau. Garfield died two months later of complications. This led to civil service reforms, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act which sought to eliminate the patronage system.
William McKinley McKinley died of his injuries after being shot on 6 September 1901 by the anarchist Leon Czolgosz. Theodore Roosevelt became president after McKinley’s assassination, ushering an era marked by progressive reforms.
John F. Kennedy Lee Harvey Oswald’s assassination on November 22, 1962, remains among the most tragic events of American history. The assassination of Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most traumatic events in American history.
Threats that continue to exist and near misses
Many attacks were not successful but they still had a significant impact. In 1975, Gerald Ford was the victim of two attempted assassinations, one by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, and another, Sara Jane Moore, within 18 days.
The incidents brought to light the vulnerability of presidential security, and enhanced protection measures were implemented.
Ronald Reagan nearly lost his life in an assassination by John Hinckley Jr.
Reagan’s public recovery appearances and his subsequent recuperation demonstrated his resilience and boosted his political popularity.
The political violence goes beyond the president
Assassinating Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was running for the Democratic nomination as president in 1968, highlighted the dangers that all prominent political figures face, and not only sitting presidents.
The nation was more wary of political violence after JFK’s death.
Former presidents are not immune. Theodore Roosevelt survived a 1912 assassination while campaigning to return to the White House.
The man continued to speak despite the fact that he was shot. This is a great example of courage.
Global Perspective
Political violence is not limited to the US. Many leaders around the globe have been assassinated, such as Egyptian President Anwar Saat in 1981 and Swedish Premier Olof Palme in 1986.
The political landscapes of both countries have been profoundly affected by these events.
Public sentiment and the current US political climate
Violence is a concern that has grown in recent years due to the current political climate. Bloomberg News/Morning Consult conducted a poll in May that found half of voters in swing-states feared violence around this year’s Presidential Election.
The sentiment is shared by Democrats, Republicans and independents alike, indicating widespread concern about the current political climate.
Looking forward
Trump’s recent assault serves as a reminder that political violence is a constant threat. The lessons from history are important as the country prepares for another election season that is likely to be contentious.
From Lincoln to Trump, each incident has had a profound impact on the policies of our nation and how we protect its leaders.
The Secret Service is credited with many successful assassination efforts, but the constant evolution of threats requires ongoing adjustments in security strategies.
Violence against politicians in the US has a long history. This pattern highlights the fragile nature of the democracy as well as the resilience of the institutions.
As new information becomes available, this post Lincoln to Trump – How Presidents and candidates have been attacked in the past may change.
