Thoughts on the Assassination Attempt on Trump

by Trevor Miles, LPNC

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, we saw a dark moment of American history take place. For the first time since Ronald Regan, a U.S. president was targeted for assassination. Perhaps even more importantly symbolically, he was targeted at a political rally on the campaign trail.

Donald J. Trump, for all his flaws and incorrect political opinions, along with the other individuals killed and injured at the rally on Saturday, were victims of political violence, meant for ends not yet known. The act itself has brought out the best and the worst in American society, with many calling for peace and unity, while others, often those who previously decried political violence, have expressed disappointment at the failure of the attempt. As Libertarians, we should be responding within the context of the non-aggression principle, and condemning the initiation of violence for any means, but especially as a way to effect political change.

Also as Libertarians, we should be using this tragic incident to highlight the dangers of hyper-polarization in American politics, and the threat posed to our democracy when people feel that "the only two options" presented would endanger the American way of life, while also actively campaigning to protect the 2A rights of individuals against the inevitable fallout from the fact that the shooter used an AR-style rifle. Finally, I am calling on all Americans, both Libertarian and non-libertarian, to condemn this act of unnecessary political violence, and to strive toward a future where all Americans can live together in harmony while also disagreeing.