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„allies of Trump have repeatedly suggested both that Democratic rhetoric is to blame or that the shooting was done by some nebulously defined ‚they‘ — a group that is generally meant to include Trump’s political opponents“https://t.co/vmOCgmY0lq
— Ingrid Brodnig (@brodnig) July 17, 2024
The shooting at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 has reignited the debate over gun control in the United States. President Joe Biden renewed his call for stronger gun laws, specifically citing the recent incident involving an AR-15-style rifle. In a speech at the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, Biden emphasized the need to ban assault weapons.
The most realistic explanation of JFK’s assassination in 1963 was human (Secret Service) error as well. No human is perfect, each could try to.@NatGeo https://t.co/pDpomP3MBW
— Dr. Solomon Passy 🇺🇦 (@PassySolomon) July 15, 2024
“An AR-15 was used in the shooting of Donald Trump, just as it was assault weapons that killed so many others including children. It’s time to outlaw them,” Biden declared. The president has consistently advocated for stronger gun laws throughout his tenure, including the reinstatement of the nation’s ban on assault weapons and requiring comprehensive background checks on all gun purchases.
However, these proposals have faced significant opposition from Republicans in Congress.
Multiple security failures allowed would-be assassin to get clear shot at Trump https://t.co/dHxCMDdc8e
— Justin Makangara (@justinmakangara) July 17, 2024
The 20-year-old perpetrator, Thomas Crooks, used an AR-15-style gun that had reportedly been purchased 11 years ago by his father. From a rooftop about 150 yards away, Crooks fired at Trump, killing one spectator and injuring two others, while also grazing Trump’s ear with a bullet.
Gun debate intensifies after rally shooting
Republicans, who have long opposed major gun reform, have largely avoided discussions about overhauling gun laws following the Trump assassination attempt. During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the theme “Make America Safe Again” did not include a focus on gun control.
Gun control advocates have expressed disappointment at the lack of a broader national discussion on gun reform following the assassination attempt but have praised Biden’s efforts. “It’s incredibly disheartening that we’re not hearing more calls to talk about the ways in which this shooter was able to really be empowered to shoot the president because of the easy access to a high-powered rifle,” said Christian Heyne, chief policy and programs officer at Brady, a gun violence prevention group. The shooting has left residents of Butler seething with anger at perceived security failings and worried for the town’s reputation.
Many directed their anger at the US Secret Service, perceived as responsible for their safety. The Secret Service stated that local police were responsible for the outer cordons of security, but this did little to soothe the concerns of witnesses. The Secret Service has encountered numerous controversies over the past decade, from security breaches to inappropriate behavior by its agents.
This latest breach is not an isolated event but part of a pattern of systemic failures. There is a growing consensus that the Secret Service needs an overhaul, with transparency and routine oversight seen as critical steps for reform.
