After being shot while delivering a campaign speech, former president Donald Trump is assisted by US Secret Service personnel. He raises his fist as he exits the stage in Butler, Pennsylvania in the US on July 13. (©REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)
Former president Donald Trump was recently shot in an apparent assassination attempt. He had just started speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on the East Coast of the United States. Trump was shot in his right ear, but the wound was not life-threatening. However, one person in the crowd was killed and two others were seriously wounded.
Secret Service agents protecting Trump then shot and killed the suspect.
The world was shocked by this new attack on a leading politician. For many in Japan, this latest outrage brought to mind the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Mr Abe was shot and killed just two years ago while giving a stump speech in Nara during the Upper House election.
Terrorism targeting the lives of political candidates to pervert free elections is meant to deny democracy — and that is the most despicable form of crime. Attempts to suppress elections and freedom of speech through violence are self-righteous and despicable. They are absolutely unacceptable.
Among countries that uphold freedom and democracy, the US presidency has a particularly strong influence. Should a candidate for that high office be felled by an assassin's bullet, the resulting damage to democracy and the free world would be immeasurable.
What Happened
After the attack on Trump, US President Joe Biden strongly condemned the attack. "We cannot allow this to be happening," he said. "The idea that there's violence in America like this is unheard of." He also promised a thorough investigation.
According to onsite reports, the gunman was a 20-year-old male. His possible motive has not yet been disclosed. In the meantime, questions about gaps in Trump's security need to be answered. Moreover, improvements in the way campaigns are conducted are urgently called for. In other words, everything possible needs to be done to prevent future terrorist attacks.
Pennsylvania, where the attempted assassination occurred, is one of the most fiercely contested states in the 2024 presidential election. The gunman was able to fire multiple shots from an assault rifle from the roof of a building outside the perimeter of the rally site.
Trump at first crouched down while pressing down on his bleeding ear. When he rose to his feet, he was surrounded by members of his security team. Perhaps to show that he was all right, Trump raised his fist while being hustled away from the venue. Later the former president posted several social media messages. In one he said that it was unbelievable that something like the attack could take place in America. Another read: "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening."
Battleground for US President
On July 15, Trump flew on schedule to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. At that venue, he was officially selected as the Republican Party nominee for president.
The assassination attempt also underscored the fact that the 2024 presidential election is a crucial battleground to protect American democracy. Strengthening security and holding an orderly presidential election would be the most effective responses to this terrorist attack.
Hopefully, the Democratic Party presidential candidate and Mr Trump will make full use of the power of speech during this election campaign. That is the best way to keep despicable violence at bay.
Watchful in Japan
In Japan as well, there is a danger that terrorists inspired by this incident will appear. Elections for the Liberal Democratic Party president are expected in September. Additionally, the leadership of the Constitutional Democratic Party is also expected around the same time.
A general election for the House of Representatives will also take place in the days to come. We must be prepared for any eventuality.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
