Another attempt on Donald Trump’s life took place at his Florida golf course this past Sunday, and Ryan Wesley Routh was quickly identified as the would-be assassin. Routh’s background reveals an alarming pattern of support for far-left Democrats and repeated statements echoing the rhetoric of prominent figures like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, including his fixation on “democracy being on the ballot.” Yet, instead of introspection or serious condemnation, much of the political left has responded with disturbing deflection.
CNN’s Juliette Kayyem laments this second Trump assassination attempt “could have impacted voters” and “will be used for political purposes” and that’s “exceptionally unfortunate” pic.twitter.com/ymJKE3VbUZ
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 16, 2024
One exchange on MSNBC demonstrated the warped priorities at play, describing the assassination attempt as “exceptionally unfortunate” — not because Trump was nearly killed, but because the incident might boost him politically. This reaction underscores how far some are willing to go to frame any situation through the lens of political gain.
Look violent rhetoric is wrong, and has no place.
But MAGA pretending they didn’t light this fire is gaslighting to the 100th power. Since Trump showed up our politics has gone to crap.
Literally just accused a group of people of eating our pets.
So stop
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) September 16, 2024
Adam Kinzinger, a former congressman and vocal Trump critic, took things further. In a tone-deaf move, Kinzinger blamed the attack on Trump himself, suggesting that his removal from the political scene would solve the problem. He locked replies on social media, preventing any discourse around the audacious implication that Trump somehow provoked the attempt on his life. Such rhetoric, while irresponsible, is not new. The notion that Trump’s outspoken stances on topics like immigration or crime invite violence is often invoked, but using that as justification for violence crosses a dangerous line.
Kinzinger: “Look, isn’t it really Trump’s fault that libs keep trying to shoot him?” https://t.co/RSIfJJSroA
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) September 16, 2024
Alexander Vindman, a key figure in the first impeachment of Trump, and his wife also joined the chorus with harsh responses, offering little sympathy for Trump while maintaining their combative stance. Vindman’s transformation from a revered figure to someone flippantly brushing off an assassination attempt reveals how deeply entrenched some political figures are in their antipathy toward Trump.
What a vile human being. pic.twitter.com/bg3x99TP4q
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) September 15, 2024
This response pattern points to a troubling truth: for some, the end justifies the means. If Trump’s death or harm helps advance their political objectives, they seem indifferent to it. The disregard for civility and the dangers of escalating rhetoric are laid bare. Those who should be calling for unity are instead fanning the flames of division, reinforcing the cycle of vitriol that has come to define modern politics. When personal hatred for a political opponent overrides basic humanity, it’s a clear sign that something has gone dangerously awry.
UPDATE:
My opponent, @YVindman, has still not condemned the horrible statements by his family members and political advisors tonight.
In fact, the Vindman family has actually doubled and tripled down on their hateful rhetoric and are now justifying the second failed… pic.twitter.com/45o6cH5NPD
— Derrick Anderson (@DerrickforVA) September 16, 2024
