Following the reported attempt on Donald Trump’s life, Blacks share differing perspectives, from concern and condemnation to questions of a staged event. Credit: Adobe Stock.
Though the reported attempt on the life of Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, PA happened days ago, Black people are still talking.
The immediate responses, mainly from elected officials, were filled with what was to be expected: kind words and wishes for recovery.
Responses from Elected Officials
U.S. Congressman Al Green posted the following statement on social media: “Dr. King was right, we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools. My thoughts and prayers are with you @realDonaldTrump, the family of the life lost as well as those who were injured.”
U.S. Congressman Colin Allred, who is running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz, said in a statement: “Violence of any kind has no place in our democracy.”
Here is the statement released by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris:
“I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania. Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
The comments from other Black officials were similar: voicing regret that such violence occurred, offering well-wishes to Trump and wholly condemning political violence – a stance completely opposite of Trump and the majority of Republican elected officials and voters, who, when polled, revealed that roughly 70% of them actually supported political violence.
Other comments by Blacks, whether elected officials or not, can be summarized by the words of Georgia State Rep. Carl Gilliard.
“I was just in awe as it unfolded to see what has happened to our country,” said Gilliard, who serves as chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
However, those not in elected seats came with a much different energy. And their conversation on the topic is ongoing.
Take, for instance, two-time New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Frederick Joseph. In an op-ed titled “Save Your Thoughts and Prayers,” Joseph shared the following:
“I cannot say whether the recent shooting involving Donald Trump was real or fake. What I can say, without hesitation, is that he is a grifter who will do anything for power. I can also say, with conviction, that I do not wish him well. As he would not spit on me if I was on fire.”
Many others framed their commentary on the Trump rally incident through the lens of Trump’s own past words and actions directed at Black people, Democrats, immigrants, Muslims, women, and others.
“I might be a bit forgetful now that I’m nearly 90 years old, but I’ll always remember my mother’s favorite saying: ‘God don’t like ugly,’ said Albernice Foster. “Lord, forgive me, but that was my first thought watching the news of Trump getting shot at. Wasn’t he the one laughing at Nancy Pelosi’s husband for being beat near to death with a hammer? Mm-hm. God don’t like ugly.”
“Ain’t Trump the one still calling for those Central Park Five brothers to be executed?” asked a Defender reader TreyDallas. “And they longtime been declared innocent.”
‘Assassination Attempt’: Fake News and/or Staged
There was also a storm of Blacks (and others) questioning the validity of the “assassination attempt” being real, suggesting it was staged, whether real bullets were fired or not.
Actress, comedian, and activist Amanda Seales was attacked on social media for voicing this theory, which many believe is valid.
Robert G. says he is far from a conspiracy theorist, but believes if there ever was one, this Trump “shooting” fits the bill.
“That white man they said did the shooting (Thomas Crooks), he was a registered Republican,” shared Robert G. “Not only that, I saw where he was in a Blackwater commercial. Blackwater [is]the most white racist company in America. And that shooter was part of them? Just keeping it 100; something don’t smell right.”
Many commenters took aim at the various videos posted on social media of the scene prior to the shooting.
“I saw a video from that rally and a big-ole crowd was pointing at the shooter on a roof and yelling at police and Secret Service to do something,” said Sylvia Palmares. “And Secret Service and the cops didn’t even make a move. Whoever was doing the video zoomed in and showed the shooter minutes before anything happened, and still none of that security did any securing. How did Secret Service not check that roof ahead of time? Why didn’t they move? Some cracker at the rally afterwards was yelling, ‘It’s Obama’s fault.’ Naw, Uncle Charlie. That was an inside job meant to make Trump look strong and heroic.”
“Somebody please explain to me why, if that shooting was real, did Secret Service have the Orange one standing there like they were posing for a picture for damn near 30 seconds?” queried Joseph Robinson. “And then they let him poke his big head out and throw his fist up, and they still didn’t move. And what about all them pictures of the Secret Service people smiling in the middle of this supposed life-or-death situation? You’ll never convince me that wasn’t rigged and planned by them super rich people who are betting on Trump making them richer as president.”
