Political violence in the USA: a reminder of democratic fragility

The recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania has once again highlighted the long and disturbing history of political violence in the United States. This country, whose Constitution guarantees citizens the right to bear arms, has witnessed several episodes in which presidents, former presidents, and presidential candidates have been targets of assassination attempts. Trump joins a not-so-exclusive list of political figures who have faced threats on their lives. From the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865 to the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981, political violence has left an indelible mark on the history of the United States. The almost mythical status of presidents and the nation's superpower role make political assassinations deeply impactful on the American psyche. The assassinations of Lincoln and John F. Kennedy are pivotal moments in the nation's collective memory, but also notable are the cases of James Garfield and William McKinley, whose deaths shocked society in their time. Following McKinley's assassination in 1901, the United States Secret Service took on the responsibility of providing full-time protection to presidents, in an effort to prevent future attacks. The assassination attempt against Trump adds to other violent incidents in the political history of the United States, such as the attempts on Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 and Gerald Ford in 1975. Even presidential candidates have been targets of attacks, like Robert F. Kennedy and George Wallace. The presence of a large number of firearms in the hands of civilians in the United States has contributed to shootings being the preferred method to attempt to kill political figures. Despite the existence of security protocols and specialized advice, many politicians, including Trump, continue to expose themselves to danger by participating in public events with large crowds. This defiant behavior, often going against security experts' advice, has led to high-risk situations. In Trump's case, luck was on his side as he escaped with minor injuries after the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Political violence in the United States is not a new phenomenon, but it remains a cause for concern in a country where inflammatory rhetoric and polarization have heightened social tensions. The history of violence against political figures should serve as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of protecting the physical integrity of those in positions of power. At a time when distrust in institutions and political polarization are on the rise, it is essential to reflect on the need to foster a climate of respect and dialogue in American political life. Violence cannot be the answer to ideological differences, and it is everyone's responsibility to build a society based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The security of political leaders is a fundamental component in ensuring the stability and democratic functioning of a nation.