Georgians talk political climate, chaos and unity after attempted assassination of Donald Trump

July 15th, 2024

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., after an assassination attempt on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Georgia politicians across the aisle are swiftly condemning Saturday’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

A gunman opened fire at Trump from a nearby rooftop during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One bullet that whizzed by Trump’s head was less than an inch away from fatally wounding the former president, who escaped with a gash on his ear. A bystander was shot and killed. Secret Service agents fatally shot the 20-year-old shooter shortly after.

Now Trump’s team notes that he is “doing well” and is still going to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

But the incident has opened the political floodgates to speculations, conspiracy theories and questions about the safety of all candidates stumping this season.

Georgia State University political science professor Tammy Greer joined WABE’s “Morning Edition” to discuss political implications and what effect the shooting will have on the presidential race.

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.