Former President Donald Trump had not experienced any significant bump in support following Sunday’s assassination attempt on his life. The bump would have been a huge win for the Republican nominee who has been losing ground to his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris after the presidential debate last week.
Trump, 78, saw a significant bump in approval ratings after the first attempt as many members of the public rallied to the former President who emerged from the July 13 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, with a bloodied ear. For many of his loyal followers, the event became a rallying cry.
One key difference between both shootings is that during the one that was attempted on Sunday, the former president was alone and on private property and not injured. However, this has not stopped Trump from using the event to stoke the fires of his fanbase.
- Ryan Routh pictured after suspected would-be Trump assassin arrested following golf course shots
- Suspected would-be Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Routh makes first court appearance to face charges
Former President Donald Trump reportedly did not experience any significant bump after surviving a second assassination attempt (
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Within moments of the shooting, the former president sent out an email to his fanbase saying that he still remains committed to defending America. The email also included a donation link.
“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me. Unity. Peace,” the email reportedly said. “There are people in this world who will do whatever it takes to stop us. I will not stop fighting for you.” Trump also issued a statement on his site stating: “Fear not! I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God!”
In the weeks following the assassination attempt, it is likely Trump will attempt to use the fact that he has survived two shooting attempts to increase the momentum of the campaign against Harris. According to CNN, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik — a devout Trump supporter— has already said that divine forces were protecting the candidate.
Trump has already been using the shooting to further his campaign (
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“Thankfully, God continues to watch over President Trump, she said per The Economic Times. “As Americans we must unite behind him in November to protect our republic and bring peace back to the world.”
Trump’s campaign also wasted no time in vilifying the suspect as an “evil monster.” The shooting occurred on Sunday afternoon while Trump was golfing at the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach.
Pollsters agree it’s too soon to determine if Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt will impact the presidential race.
“I was pretty sure that Trump’s defiant gesture after being fired upon would propel his re-election. To my surprise, it hasn’t even been the most important event of the campaign,” veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz tells Firstpost. “This second shooting incident is not likely to have an impact, either. ”
The suspect in the would-be assassination was identified as Ryan Wesley Routh (
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The suspect — identified as Ryan Wesley Routh — was standing 300 to 500 yards from Trump and aiming an assault rifle at the former president when agents spotted him, according to Members of Trump’s Secret Service team.
Members of the security detail then opened fire at Routh forcing the 58-year-old to flee. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told CBS that several witnesses saw Routh emerge from the bushes and hop into a black Nissan and speed off.
Officials say that one witness to the chaos was able to get Routh’s license plate number and gave it to the police who pursued the man 36 miles north before cornering the man on I-95. Police later confirmed that Routh was incredibly calm while being detained.
Those who remained behind discovered Routh’s rifle, scope and GoPro camera hidden in the bushes. The suspect appeared in court for the first time on Monday dressed in a dark blue jumpsuit and with his hands and legs shackled. During the eight-minute hearing, Routh was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The man is expected to return to court next Monday and is expected to face additional charges. Should he be convicted, Routh could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the first charge, and a possible five-year sentence on the second charge.
