As I’m writing this, the entire world has heard of the attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life at a Pennsylvania rally. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, shot Trump through the ear. One dead, two critically injured. The entire ordeal was captured on live television.

Polarization in US Politics

In recent years, any US resident can attest to the growing political division in the country. Polarizing rhetoric and extremism on both sides, heightened by social media, have created a painfully unproductive congress, heated elections and the filing of articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices. Was this violent act expected? No. But in the context of the current political atmosphere, the shooting is almost, for lack of a better word, unsurprising.

We the people

However, the solemn nature of the action has led to outrage not only by Republicans and Trump supporters, but also by Democrats and Independents.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) stated that “There is no place for political violence, including the horrific incident we just witnessed in Pennsylvania. It is absolutely unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms. My heart goes out to all the victims and I wish the former President a speedy recovery.”

Similarly, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) stated that “This horrific act of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”

These two political leaders serve as examples of the relatively universal condemnation of the shooting, and relief that Trump survived.

Pointing fingers

Of course, there are outliers on both sides. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that “Democrats wanted this to happen. They’ve wanted Trump gone for years and they’re prepared to do anything to make that happen,” citing social media posts, celebrities, and politicians who have used hostile rhetoric in speaking about the former President. On the other hand, the word “Staged” became trending on X immediately after the shooting.

…Now what?

Although the shooting takes its place among other acts of political violence in recent years, what with the January 6th riots, the Charlottesville rally, and others, it is the only event that has been almost universally condemned. Apart from the few far-right and far-left individuals continually attacking the opposite side, this is a rare moment of unity among political leaders and individuals.

It’s too soon to know long this moment will last, but the assassination attempt will remain a grave indicator of what can happen when a country becomes divided.