The Time to Condemn a Political Assassination is Now

There are rarely moments of clarity in our convoluted world. But every once in a while, we witness them. This happened on Saturday, July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania.

By now, everyone is aware of the lead story in newspapers and across social media around the world. An attempt was made on the life of President Donald J. Trump, the current frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election in the United States of America. While the attempt failed to take it out its target, it did result in the death of a courageous former fire chief who was there with his family.

Meanwhile, former President Trump came within a literal earshot of certain death. A fortuitous tilt of his head during one of his classic riff-style monologues where he spontaneously gesticulates is what saved him. The ensuing chaos shortly following can be seen in video now seemingly everywhere. It also produced an iconic photo that will be immortalized for decades to come.

In that photo, Trump stood defiantly in the face of death, fist pumped in the air, calling out to his supporters to stay steadfast. And steadfast they were. There was no stampede. There were no riots. There were no recriminations. While Trump survived, he should have died. Why and how the attack unfolded will be subject to an investigation. Given the level of trust by the public in mainstream media and government bureaucracy, any results will be subject to widespread doubt.

There will be time to determine the truth and, of course, time to understand how to contextualize this properly. There is, however, no time like the present. And in the present moment, there needs to be clarity about one thing: this was an assassination attempt on the frontrunner for the most powerful office in the most powerful country in the history of the world.

For American political leaders, world leaders, and pundits who have any relevance, there is only one course of action today, tomorrow, and this week in responding to this event. You must condemn the attempted assassination of the former President. Clearly. Unequivocally. Immediately.

Indeed, many other 'things' are ongoing. The stakes of the American election itself have never been higher for many people. Rhetorical flourishes on all sides have often bordered on incitement and, at the very least, demonization. Outside of America, countless civilians are dying daily in Gaza due to American weapons.

Thus, there is plenty of fodder to provide a wider frame and evade a singular focus for this weekend's attack. Yet, this is often the role of the obscurantist - the desire to cast a wider shadow over the clarity of the light of a single moment. On October 8, it was reasonable to discuss the occupation but not to evade singular condemnation of the October 7 assault perpetrated by Hamas. On September 12, it was reasonable to question American foreign policy but not to avoid condemnation of the 9/11 attacks.

Similarly, on July 14 and beyond, the assassination attempt on Donald J. Trump requires clear condemnation. Unfortunately, for many political figures, they have still not done that. They refrain from using the word assassination. They hesitate to condemn it. Instead, they default to wishing Trump a quick recovery and condemning political violence generally.

Barack Obama: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."

Gavin Newsom: "Violence has no place in our democracy. My thoughts are with President Trump and everyone impacted at the rally today."

Keir Starmer: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes. Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."

Justin Trudeau: "I’m sickened by the shooting at former President Trump. It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable. My thoughts are with former President Trump, those at the event, and all Americans."

Ursula von der Leyen: "I am deeply shocked by the shooting that took place during former President Trump’s campaign rally. I wish Donald Trump a speedy recovery and offer my condolences to the family of the innocent victim. Political violence has no place in a democracy."

The list could go on, but in most cases, it is stark that the word assassination is not used, and that the specific act is not called out and is instead generalized. It is hard not to see the pattern. Imagine if this was the response to an attempt on the life of President Biden that had nearly succeeded. The airwaves would be full of people calling for thousands of people to be rounded up who were inciting violence.

In his initial statement President Biden, himself, was very indirect.

Joe Biden: "I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."

This was followed up, to his credit, by a more direct post many hours later, and the use of the term assassination attempt, albeit with still an equivocating and generalized tone.

These are clarifying moments as you can see people for who they are, either out of intent or ignorance. The people who are unable to bring themselves to a specific, clear condemnation of this specific attack cannot be trusted in the tough times to come. This is not about left or right. It is not about Democrats or Republicans. It is not about Americans or citizens from around the world. It is about knowing right from wrong, understanding the moment we are in, and being able to respond to it.

The time to condemn the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump is now.