Update: Trump Assassination Attempt & Biden Oval Address
Digest
The NPR Politics Podcast delves into the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The episode focuses on the investigation into the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crookes, a 20-year-old from suburban Pittsburgh, who was killed by the Secret Service. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack and are examining the shooter's phone and social media accounts. The podcast also discusses the impact of the event on the 2024 election, noting that calls for President Biden to step down have been silenced. The episode highlights the tension between the Secret Service and Capitol Hill, as well as the potential for increased political violence. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Donald Trump is expected to address the assassination attempt.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of Christian nationalists who aim to establish a theocracy in America, potentially leading to fewer rights for individuals. The episode also introduces Heath Drusen, the host of "Extremely American," a podcast exploring this movement.
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Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
This Chapter focuses on the assassination attempt on former President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The episode discusses the investigation into the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crookes, and the lack of a clear motive. The podcast also highlights the response from President Biden, who called for a de-escalation of political rhetoric and condemned political violence. The episode further explores the impact of the event on the 2024 election, noting the silencing of calls for President Biden to step down and the potential for increased political violence.
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Investigation and Political Fallout
This Chapter delves into the ongoing investigation into the assassination attempt, highlighting the FBI's efforts to gather information and the tension between Capitol Hill and the Secret Service. The episode also discusses the impact of the event on the 2024 election, noting the silencing of calls for President Biden to step down and the potential for increased political violence. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Donald Trump is expected to address the assassination attempt.
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Outro
This Chapter concludes the podcast with a brief message from a sponsor, NYU Langone, the number one lung transplant program in the U.S., followed by a message from another sponsor, the Up North Lowdown podcast.
Keywords
Christian Nationalism
A political ideology that seeks to establish a theocracy, a government ruled by religious principles, in the United States. Christian nationalists believe that the United States should be governed by biblical law and that Christian values should be enshrined in public life. They often advocate for policies that restrict individual rights and freedoms, such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom.
Assassination Attempt
An act of violence intended to kill a prominent figure, often a political leader. The assassination attempt on former President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania highlights the growing threat of political violence in the United States. The event has sparked widespread concern and debate about the role of rhetoric and extremism in American politics.
Thomas Matthew Crookes
The individual identified by the FBI as the shooter in the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Crookes was a 20-year-old from suburban Pittsburgh who was killed by the Secret Service after allegedly firing shots at the rally. Authorities are still investigating his motive and background, examining his phone and social media accounts for clues.
Secret Service
A federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the President of the United States, Vice President, and their families, as well as other high-ranking government officials. The Secret Service has been criticized for its handling of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, with Capitol Hill expressing frustration and demanding accountability.
Republican National Convention
A quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The 2024 Republican National Convention is scheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is expected to be a major event in the 2024 election cycle. The assassination attempt on former President Trump is likely to be a major topic of discussion at the convention.
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States and a leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Trump has been a controversial figure throughout his political career, known for his divisive rhetoric and policies. The assassination attempt on him has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for increased political violence.
Joe Biden
The 46th President of the United States and the Democratic Party's incumbent candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Biden has called for a de-escalation of political rhetoric and condemned political violence in the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Trump. The event has also led to a silencing of calls for Biden to step down from the race.
Political Violence
The use of violence to achieve political goals. The assassination attempt on former President Trump is a stark reminder of the growing threat of political violence in the United States. The event has sparked widespread concern and debate about the role of rhetoric and extremism in American politics.
2024 Election
The upcoming presidential election in the United States, scheduled for November 5, 2024. The assassination attempt on former President Trump has had a significant impact on the 2024 election, raising concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for increased political violence. The event has also led to a shift in the political landscape, with calls for President Biden to step down being silenced.
Q&A
What was the motive behind the assassination attempt on former President Trump?
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack and are examining the shooter's phone and social media accounts for clues. So far, they have not found any connection to a particular ideology and believe the shooter acted alone.
How has the assassination attempt impacted the 2024 election?
The event has led to a silencing of calls for President Biden to step down from the race. It has also raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for increased political violence, which could influence voter turnout and campaign strategies.
What is the current status of the investigation into the assassination attempt?
The FBI is actively investigating the attack, having received over 2,000 tips. They are examining the shooter's phone and social media accounts, as well as interviewing family members and potential witnesses. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are still trying to determine the shooter's motive and whether he acted alone.
What is the Republican Party's response to the assassination attempt?
The Republican Party has stated that the convention will continue as planned, but the assassination attempt is likely to be a major topic of discussion. Some Republicans are calling for a reflection on the role of violent rhetoric, while others may use the event as a rallying cry.
How has the assassination attempt affected President Biden's campaign?
The event has led to a shift in the focus of Biden's campaign, with his calls for unity and de-escalation of political rhetoric taking center stage. The assassination attempt has also led to a silencing of calls for Biden to step down from the race.
What is the significance of the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee?
The convention is expected to be a major event in the 2024 election cycle, with Donald Trump likely to address the assassination attempt in his speech. The event will also be a platform for the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates.
What is the role of the Secret Service in protecting political figures?
The Secret Service is responsible for protecting the President of the United States, Vice President, and their families, as well as other high-ranking government officials. The agency has been criticized for its handling of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, with Capitol Hill expressing frustration and demanding accountability.
What are the potential consequences of the assassination attempt on the political climate in the United States?
The event has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the potential for increased political violence. It has also sparked debate about the role of rhetoric and extremism in American politics, and the need for greater efforts to address these issues.
Show Notes
The alleged shooter, who was killed by the Secret Service, has been identified by law enforcement as Thomas Mathew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pa., a town south of Pittsburgh. The motive behind the attack is not yet understood.
This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez.
A note to our NPR Politics Podcast+ supporters: We've postponed publishing this weekend's bonus episode, but we'll reschedule and drop it in the feed soon. As always, thank you for being an NPR Politics Podcast+ listener!
The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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