Blood turns to martyrdom as Republicans rally around Trump

 

Donald Trump shaped his political persona by drawing from various intense emotional politics: The resentment and fury of his political base. The unease and doubt of a divided nation. And perhaps most of all, his own boldness and raw power.

That persona was evident on a solemn evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump emerged physically injured but politically victorious from a shooting that shook the 2024 presidential campaign. The shooting claimed the life of one person in the crowd and left two others wounded, according to officials. The gunman, who was aiming at the stage, was also killed.

The former president’s exact physical state was still unknown when Republicans began circulating an Associated Press photo of Trump — blood spattered on his right cheek — pumping his fist beneath a crooked American flag after gunshots rang out. His political allies and admirers in the United States and abroad praised his resilience, while Democrats universally condemned the violence as un-American.

In the eyes of his political movement, this was a moment that showcased Trump at his most resolute.

“President Trump embodied courage under fire,” said Simone Ledeen, a former senior official at the Trump Department of Defense. “The iconic images of him being broadcast around the world display the true American spirit.” It remains to be seen whether the shooting might alter the tone of a presidential campaign marked by acrimonious attacks, mutual disdain between the candidates, and widespread public dissatisfaction with all their options. The country is so deeply divided that other explosive events have barely affected the polls.

But as Republicans prepare to gather in Milwaukee for their nominating convention, the shooting immediately appeared certain to further define Trump’s image in the eyes of his supporters.

Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, emphasized the President's resilience in the face of adversity. He expressed confidence that recent events will only motivate Trump to work harder to secure victory and protect America.

Vivek Ramaswamy, another speaker at the RNC, highlighted the challenges Trump has faced and overcome. He noted the attempts to undermine Trump's candidacy and emphasized the need for honesty in acknowledging the seriousness of recent events.

President Joe Biden's campaign responded swiftly to the attack, pausing communications and removing ads. Meanwhile, Democrats in Indiana condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful democratic process.

Former President Barack Obama called for unity and civility in politics following the incident, while Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro both denounced violence as a means of resolving political differences.

For Republicans, the violent incident provided a new reason to support their candidate. They focused on remarks made by Biden just a few days ago during a private donor call, where he suggested that Trump should be targeted in the campaign. Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) shared Biden's statement and implied that Biden was giving orders, while Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) hinted at a possible connection between Biden's words and a potential assassination attempt on President Trump.

Biden's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter. When asked by reporters, Biden emphasized the importance of unity and condemned political violence, stating that such actions have no place in America and are sickening.

Bill White, a Republican donor and close friend of Trump, expressed his belief that Biden should resign immediately due to his comments. White claimed that Biden essentially called for Trump's death by suggesting putting a bullseye on him. Despite security concerns, White mentioned that Trump is likely to still attend the upcoming GOP convention in Milwaukee.

Others echoed White's sentiments. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, praised the President's strength in the face of adversity. Trump himself, while expressing gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their response, also extended condolences to the affected families.