Donald Trump’s chances of winning the 2024 presidential election have shot up following an apparent assassination attempt on Saturday. According to a top bookmaker, this incident has significantly boosted his odds.
The attack occurred during a Trump rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman opened fire, tragically killing one attendee and seriously injuring two others. A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed the details of the incident.
Broadcast footage showed Trump being hit on his right ear, causing it to bleed. In true Trump fashion, he defiantly raised his fist before being whisked away by Secret Service agents. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by return fire.
Before the assassination attempt, Trump’s odds of winning in 2024 were 8/15 (65.2 percent) according to William Hill, a UK-based betting company. After the shooting, these odds dramatically improved to 4/11 (73.3 percent), reflecting a surge in support.
Trump addressed the incident on his Truth Social website, expressing condolences to the family of the person killed and commenting on the incredible nature of such an act in the country. He recounted the moment he was shot, emphasizing the chaos and his immediate recognition of the situation.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden condemned the attack in a post on X, expressing gratitude that Trump was safe and praying for all those affected. He called for unity in condemning such violence, thanking the Secret Service for their quick action.
Reports from The Guardian revealed that Crooks, although a registered Republican, had donated to a left-leaning political action committee in 2021. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO and X owner, endorsed Trump in the aftermath of the shooting, comparing him to Theodore Roosevelt for his toughness.
Greg Smith, a Trump supporter present at the rally, described seeing a man with a rifle on a nearby rooftop before the shooting. Despite attempts to alert the authorities, the police seemed unaware of the imminent threat. This account underscores the chaos and missed opportunities to prevent the attack.
