The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has plunged U.S. politics into extreme confusion and panic. The incident adds another unexpected variable to the race leading up to the presidential vote slated for Nov. 5. All of this is happening against the backdrop of increasing demands for President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, following his recent, supposedly disappointing performance in a TV debate against Trump.

Fortunately, Trump suffered only a slight injury to his ear from the shooting that took place during a rally in Pennsylvania. A bullet pierced the upper part of Trump’s right ear. “I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shot and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin,” Trump wrote.

The assassination attempt caught the U.S. off guard, especially since Trump has been leading the presidential race. This incident is likely to further divide the already sharply polarized U.S. political scene. Violence and terror cann
ot be tolerated for any reason in any form. We strongly condemn the recent incident as it seriously threatens the foundation of democracy.

Trump became the target of the assassination attempt just two days before the Republican Party’s national convention. Surrounded by Secret Service agents, he was rushed off the stage at the campaign venue. The gunman was shot dead at the scene while a bystander was also killed. The FBI has labeled the case an assassination attempt. The suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was found to have fired multiple gunshots from a nearby elevated structure.

The suspect was a white male in his 20s. Investigative authorities have yet to determine the motives behind the attempt. And it will take some time for details, including the possible mastermind, to come to light. Regardless of the investigation’s results, it is certain that they will have a far-reaching impact on the presidential race.

As he was escorted by security officers away from the scene, Trump was seen pumping his fist towa
rd his supporters in a display of resolute defiance. According to some U.S. media reports, Trump’s display of resolute defiance might resonate positively with voters, particularly the undecided swing voters. This is particularly relevant given the fragility of the incumbent U.S. president, who faces intensifying calls to step down. Trump arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sunday to attend the Republican National Convention.

Even some Democratic Party leaders have begun to ask Biden to quit the race. However, Biden has rejected such calls, inviting a barrage of criticism. The Washington Post said, “The time has come for his close allies to have a candid conversation with him,” urging Biden to make a bold decision and withdraw his candidacy. The paper also criticized Biden for having refused to acknowledge the negative opinion polls, plus his political setbacks.

Uncertainties are growing and clouding the U.S. presidential election, impacted by diverse factors ahead of the crucial vote. The recent incident is li
kely to intensify the standoff between the Biden and Trump camps. It remains to be seen whether the Democratic Party will seek to replace its candidate during the forthcoming national convention scheduled for August.

It is too early to make a precise forecast about the election outcome. We need to closely monitor and analyze U.S. election policies, as this race is crucial for Korea’s national interests, especially in the areas of security and the economy. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration should prepare measures to address all possible scenarios.

To prepare for the possible changes in the U.S. administration, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea should play a role in strengthening the governing bloc’s efforts. The private sector should also combine efforts to properly address the critical U.S. vote this November.

Source: Yonhap News Agency