Trump faces threats and assassination attempts in bid to reclaim office

Former President Donald Trump, in the wake of an assassination attempt on his life, pointed fingers at Democrats for fueling the dangerous rhetoric that put him in harm’s way. But a closer look at the data reveals that threats against presidents and those in the line of presidential succession are more common than one might think.

According to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), since 1986, there have been 1,444 cases of threats against presidents or individuals in the line of presidential succession. The highest number of prosecutions in a single year occurred in 1987 during the Reagan administration with 73 cases, followed by 72 cases in 2002 during George W. Bush’s presidency.

TRAC data also shows that George W. Bush had the highest number of cases over his eight-year tenure with 383 prosecutions, reflecting a time of heightened tension during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Bill Clinton had 343 cases prosecuted, and Barack Obama had 213 cases during his two terms. During Trump’s first term, 68 cases were brought forward. Reagan, in the last three years of his presidency, had 200 cases, while George H.W. Bush had 213 cases during his one term.

The number of convictions was highest during the George W. Bush and Clinton administrations, according to TRAC records.

Trump’s recent brush with an assassination attempt by Ryan Wesley Routh highlights the ongoing threats faced by former presidents. Routh has been charged with firearms-related offenses but authorities are still investigating his motive and actions leading up to the incident. A Secret Service agent thwarted the attempt on Trump’s life by firing at Routh as he fled the scene.

The incident underscores the gravity of threats faced by former presidents seeking to reclaim the highest office in the land. Trump is not the only one to have experienced such dangers; Teddy Roosevelt, a former president, survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in 1912.

Historian David Head from the University of Central Florida notes that violence has long been a part of American history, citing other notable instances of presidential assassination attempts that are not included in TRAC data. Both Reagan and Ford survived assassination attempts during their presidencies, highlighting the persistent threat posed to public figures.

Despite the challenges and risks involved in public service, former presidents like Trump continue to navigate the complexities of politics and security in their quest to serve the nation.

For more detailed information about past presidential assassination attempts and ongoing threats, visit here.