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Writer's pictureJoel Hawksley

Political Crosshairs: Assassination Attempts on U.S. Presidential Candidates


Introduction

The history of U.S. politics is marred by numerous assassination attempts on those vying for the highest office. These incidents, whether successful or not, have left indelible marks on the nation’s political landscape. This blog will delve into these events, exploring the motives behind the attacks, the immediate aftermath, and their long-term impacts on American politics.


Recent Incident: Donald J. Trump Survives Assassination Attempt


The Incident

On July 13, 2024, former President Donald J. Trump, who is once again a leading candidate for the 2024 presidential election, narrowly survived an assassination attempt. The assailant, whose identity and motives are still under investigation, managed to shoot Trump in the ear during a campaign rally in Miami, Florida. Despite the close call, Trump survived the attack with only minor injuries.


Immediate Aftermath

The immediate aftermath of the attempt was chaotic. Security personnel quickly subdued the attacker, and Trump was rushed to a nearby hospital. The former president was released after receiving treatment for his wound and, in typical Trump fashion, returned to the campaign trail, vowing to not be intimidated by the attempt on his life.


Historical Context

This event echoes a long history of threats and attacks on presidential candidates, highlighting the persistent danger faced by those in the political arena.


Historical Assassination Attempts on U.S. Presidential Candidates


Andrew Jackson (1835)

The Incident: On January 30, 1835, President Andrew Jackson, who was seeking reelection, survived the first known attempt on a sitting president’s life. Richard Lawrence, an unemployed house painter, attempted to shoot Jackson with two pistols, both of which misfired.


Aftermath: Jackson, known for his fiery temper, physically confronted Lawrence with his cane. Lawrence was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and was institutionalized for the rest of his life.


Theodore Roosevelt (1912)

The Incident: On October 14, 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt, running for a third term as a Progressive Party candidate, was shot in the chest by John Schrank, a mentally ill saloonkeeper, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The bullet was slowed by a metal eyeglass case and a folded speech in Roosevelt's pocket, preventing a fatal injury.


Aftermath: Roosevelt, demonstrating remarkable resilience, delivered a 90-minute speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest. His famous opening line, "It takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose," remains legendary. Roosevelt survived and continued his campaign but ultimately lost the election.


Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933)

The Incident: On February 15, 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt by Giuseppe Zangara, an Italian immigrant with anarchist leanings, in Miami, Florida. Zangara fired several shots, missing Roosevelt but hitting five others, including Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who later died from his wounds.


Aftermath: Zangara was quickly apprehended and executed in the electric chair on March 20, 1933. The incident underscored the dangers faced by public figures and led to increased security measures.


Robert F. Kennedy (1968)

The Incident: On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a Democratic presidential candidate, was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, in the kitchen pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after delivering a victory speech following his win in the California primary.


Aftermath: Kennedy succumbed to his injuries the next day, devastating his supporters and marking a significant loss for the Democratic Party. His assassination also intensified the security protocols for future candidates.


George Wallace (1972)

The Incident: On May 15, 1972, Alabama Governor George Wallace, campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination, was shot five atimes by Arthur Bremer at a rally in Laurel, Maryland. The attack left Wallace paralyzed from the waist down.


Aftermath: Wallace continued his political career from a wheelchair but his presidential aspirations were effectively ended. The incident underscored the volatility of the political climate during the 1970s.


Ronald Reagan (1981)

The Incident: On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Although not a candidate at the time, this incident highlighted the ongoing risks faced by political figures. Reagan was struck by a ricocheting bullet that lodged in his lung.


Aftermath: Reagan's swift recovery and return to work bolstered his popularity and demonstrated the necessity of enhanced security measures for the President.


John McCain (2008)

The Incident: During the 2008 presidential campaign, Senator John McCain faced several threats, including a disrupted plot by a white supremacist group planning to target both him and then-Senator Barack Obama.


Aftermath: The plot was foiled by law enforcement, and both candidates continued their campaigns under heightened security.


Barack Obama (2008)

The Incident: In addition to the disrupted plot mentioned above, President Barack Obama faced multiple threats throughout his candidacy and presidency. In one notable incident, three men were arrested in Denver, Colorado, for planning to shoot Obama during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.


Aftermath: The increased security for Obama reflected the historic nature of his candidacy and the heightened risks he faced as the first African American president.


The Significance of These Attacks


Motives and Psychology

The motivations behind these assassination attempts vary widely, from political dissent and personal grievances to mental illness. Understanding these motives is crucial for developing strategies to prevent future incidents.


Security Measures

Each attack has led to significant changes in security protocols. The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting presidential candidates, has continuously adapted its strategies to address emerging threats.


Impact on Political Discourse

Assassination attempts often amplify the existing political discourse, sometimes polarizing the electorate or rallying support for the targeted candidate. The resilience shown by candidates like Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan in the face of danger has left lasting legacies.


Conclusion

Assassination attempts on U.S. presidential candidates are grim reminders of the perils faced by those in public office. The recent attempt on Donald J. Trump’s life underscores the ongoing risks and the importance of vigilance in protecting political figures. As we reflect on these incidents, we must recognize the resilience and courage of those who continue to serve despite the dangers they face.

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