Summary of Recent Political Events
This is a rush transcript from Democracy Now!, reporting on recent events at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The FBI is investigating the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, who was shot in the right ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One attendee was killed, two wounded. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, acted alone and was shot dead by snipers.
President Biden condemned political violence in a primetime address. Some Republicans, like J.D. Vance, blamed the Biden campaign for rhetoric that incited violence.
Historian John Nichols shared insights on political violence, referencing past incidents like the attempted assassination of Teddy Roosevelt in Milwaukee. He highlighted the importance of unity and peace in a turbulent political climate.
Milwaukee, historically a socialist city, is hosting the Republican Convention. The city has faced controversy over gun laws, allowing firearms but banning items like tennis balls and hard water bottles near the event.
For more details on these events, read John Nichols’ latest piece “Americans Know Political Violence All Too Well” on The Nation.