Saturday’s attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler County has brought to life the fears of political violence shared by so many Americans, across the political spectrum. The wounds inflicted on the nation by years of cruel and careless expressions of political hatred have been manifested in flesh — in the blood dripping down a presidential candidate’s face, and in the blood of three bystanders joyfully participating in the democratic ritual of the election campaign.
And we, as Americans, are faced individually and collectively with the question: Is this enough?
Is an assassination attempt that missed by inches enough to convince us to change course, to choose mutual understanding rather than mutual contempt? Is the murder of Corey Comperatore, a father of two who reportedly threw himself on his family to protect them from the gunfire, enough to convince us that the thrill of hatred isn’t worth the cost in humanity? Is the near-killing of David Dutch and James Copenhaver enough to convince us that our choices are only two: reconciliation or further bloodshed?
Is this enough?
For many people, including local and national elected officials, clearly it is not. Some immediately blamed Democratic politicians for the violence. Others made light of the assassination attempt or wished it had succeeded. These people are vandals, whose words will only further enflame passions and generate cycles of retribution.
In contrast, many leaders have shown that another way is possible. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has said rightly that “we can’t go on like this as a society” and begged leaders to “turn the temperature down.” The most impressive work, however, has come from Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose remarks at a Sunday press conference emphasized our shared humanity.
Most powerfully, Mr. Shapiro described Mr. Comperatore as “an ardent supporter of the former president” not just without judgment, but with respect and even appreciation. This was an all-too-rare affirmation from a leader in one party that it’s ok to support the other party. Opponents are not enemies of democracy. Opponents are necessary to democracy.
Both President Joe Biden’s and Mr. Trump’s words about national unity have also been encouraging. We are particularly pleased the two men spoke to each other the night of the incident. Even better: They should make a public appearance together after this week’s Republican National Convention.
Attention has turned to the alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, and particularly to his motives. This is natural, and necessary, but also dangerous, if people seek to place him within a convenient political narrative and treat his act as solely the act of one faction, for which it bears collective responsibility. Further wounding the body politic through such recriminations will continue to do the would-be assassin’s work for him, rather than repudiate him.
On Saturday in Western Pennsylvania, the United States of America crossed a red line. Many people have said on television and on social media that, after this, it will only get worse. But that is a matter of choice, not of destiny. America and every American has the choice to say: Enough!
And that’s what we must do, together.
First Published: July 14, 2024, 11:24 p.m.
Updated: July 15, 2024, 6:28 p.m.
