Yesterday, Donald J. Trump nearly lost his life. An armed gunman waited for him in the bushes. He brought a go-pro camera to record it. A secret service agent spotted the barrel of a gun through a fence and shot at the gunman.

X ^ | 9/16/24 | JD Vance

[hardspunned]

President Trump is my running mate, and my friend, but he is more importantly a father and grandfather to people who love him very much. I want him to have many more years with his family. (And selfishly, I'd like many more with my own.)

I admire the president for calling for peace and calm. The rhetoric is out of control. It nearly got Steve Scalise and many others killed a few years ago. It nearly got Donald Trump killed twice. But I want to say something about yesterday's news, and how it illuminates the difference between vigorous debate and violent rhetoric.

Here is what we know so far: Kamala Harris has said that "Democracy is on the line" in her race against President Trump. The gunman agreed, and used the exact same phrase. He had a Kamala Harris bumper sticker on his truck. He was obsessed with Ukraine's "fight for Democracy" and absorbed many unhinged views about the Russia-Ukraine war. HIs name is Ryan Routh, and he donated 19 times to Democrat causes and zero to Republican ones.

[logi_cal869]

I was being tongue-in-cheek:

I've seen the photo of his so-called 'hide'.

He had little concealment. It wasn't a white roof, but it was damn close. Rank amateur, right down to sticking his rifle through the fence (ahem). 12 hours in such a position as depicted is incredibly exposed. But I don't dismiss that he had been provided intel...just that if it was an insider it would have been more accurate. MUCH more accurate.

4-6 hours laying in wait: Maybe. 12 hours? My bet: Not the first time he's been there.

The image does raise another question, however:

How did USSS miss the backpacks hanging on the fence before they saw the rifle?

I believe that there's only one reason USSS was rolled into DHS...

[logi_cal869]

Routh was not a sniper. Evidence: He was easily seen.

Irony: Nor was Oswald. Same for Crooks.

But I’m sure that Routh also had some military training courtesy of his ukeland contacts.

[blueunicorn6]

Looks like he was outside the fence.

The steel hurricane fence would make a good shooting support.

It appears that he hung those plates to provide cover for himself.

I think he was going to shoot from between them.

Lots of foliage and garbage for concealment in the direction most likely to have people scanning.

Looks professionally designed to me.

[Bearshouse]

After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits

This is exactly why I'm so wary of the increased black support Trump is getting. I've heard way too many saying that they are for Trump because the Democrats are bringing in all these immigrants and taking away their goodies. They aren't disgusted with the way Democrats spent tax payer money, only that they aren't the ones on the receiving end for a change.

[jagusafr]

He’s said he’d would end that war in 24 hours. Hmmmm.. cui bono from that not happening?

[SharpRightTurn]

“Should President Trump prevail (praying) it will be even more dangerous from November to January 20, 2025”

I agree with that 100%. He will need teams of private security to keep him safe.

[ladyjane]

The average american doesn’t realize our government is out of control and out for control. What they are doing to Trump they will do to you, me and them.

Many of those gay, trans, women, swifties and every day Joes will be shocked.