We want to hear how you're feeling after the attempted assassination of Trump | Opinion
"Terrible." "Sadness." "Scared for this country." "Disbelief this is happening again." Those are just a few of the words readers used to describe the news of the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump during a political rally Saturday.
Thank you to everyone who took time over the weekend to comment. We will stop accepting comments at 6 p.m. and update the story for the last time later this evening. Look for other chances to comment throughout the RNC this week.
Sue from Brown Deer said Americans need to find a way to have intelligent discourse again instead heated rhetoric and personal attacks. She also called for a ban on assault rifles and said securing the RNC will be difficult under the current guidelines.
"There are no guarantees of safety anywhere in an angry country with 300 million guns (some of which will be allowed in the perimeter) so I honestly don’t know," she said.
Shelley from Milwaukee said politicians and public servants must denounce violence unequivocally, something that has not happened.
"One of my first thoughts was this terrible shooting not shocking. We watched as another young person had lethal means and plan to implement a shooting. The attempt on the former president's life is horrifying and traumatic, and tragically the thousands of attendees at the rally become the latest group in America to suffer unnecessary pain," she said.
"A second thought I had is that all Americans must be willing to accept what is true about politics and violence. If any politician or public servant overtly expresses or foments violence in any way, or believes it is a means to an end, or uses it to manipulate groups of people, they should be disqualified from holding office."
The call to renounce violence was echoed by many other readers.
"We need our political leaders on both sides of the aisle to stop the character assassinations of their rivals," said Leslie from Milwaukee. "The hate and vitriol they espouse in their lust to hang onto power only serves to create more hate, contempt, and polarization. Perhaps it would help if there were term limits."
More: Trump 'looks forward' to RNC after assassination attempt
Leslie thinks the Republican National Convention, which is scheduled to start Monday in Milwaukee, should go on as planned, but with beefed up security.
"Expand the perimeter, beef up the security, going so far as to have national guard troops joining the police department to shore up ranks," she said. "And absolutely quash any violence aimed at those attending the convention. No more treating those who illegally obstruct the rights of others through violence with kid gloves."
Beverly from Hales Corners felt a sense of disbelief.
"Could this be happening again? When people express their hatred with violence like assassination attempts, there is no hope for change," she said. "Respect for one another, whether an ally or an opponent is the key to preventing further violence"
Encouraging or using violence is wrong. Take gun violence seriously.
"Violence in politics is completely unacceptable," said Marty from the Fox Cities. "That being said the onslaught of martyrdom we’re about to experience is unbecoming our political discourse too. The people that are about to scream about this have never lifted a finger to save school children."
Many readers hoped the incident would prompt action on strengthening gun laws.
"I think anyone using or encouraging violence is wrong. Full stop," said Mark from Kenosha. "No one should be shot at - ever. Maybe now we will take gun violence serious. Every life matters as much as a political candidate's."
Danny from Brookfield said people need to reflect on political violence and regulate firearms in a way that balances safety with practicality.
"The Second Amendment was meant to empower citizens against tyranny. But in today's world, it no longer meets our needs. Let's reconsider its purpose," he said. "We need a modern revision that recognizes the role, risk, and responsibility of firearms ownership, not just thoughts and prayers. Let's strive for a more peaceful era."
Steven from Milwaukee called for bans on assault style guns and background checks for purchasing weapons, even at gun shows.
Toning down rhetoric an important step moving forward
Said Jason from Milwaukee, "I’m certainly no massive Trump supporter, personally, but I was enraged and disgusted by what I saw happen at that rally. It’s, honestly, rather depressing to see the effects this political climate is having on people."
In addition to even tighter security, he said we need to take a long, hard look at ourselves.
"The rhetoric we’re seeing from both sides of the aisle is simply fanning the flames of political polarization. Sadly, I think with the, frankly, hyper-partisan stuff we’re hearing everyday coming from both camps, this type of thing was made inevitable," he said. "Radical action simply is not the answer. We need to learn to appreciate nuance and critical thinking."
"J" from Waukesha said toning down hateful rhetoric is the most important step to reduce violence.
Every single democrat who ever opined that President Trump "is evil" or "is an existential threat to our democracy" should be removed from office in the coming elections and there have been many," "J" said. "That would also include broadcasters such as those on ABC's The View and almost the entire cast of people on TV programs on CNN and MSNBC who for the entirety of the last ten years have fomented hatred and division in the USA with a continual stream of lies."
B.V. from Rice Lake said the media must turn down its bashing and demeaning of Trump.
"The media and Democrats are hand in hand tied together in inciting this sad act. Calling him a dictator and Hitler has not been good. Framing him throughout his political career with Russia gate, failed impeachments, etc. shows the extent the left has tried to keep him out," B.V. said. "This act has just cemented Trump's winning this fall .. it won't even be close and it shouldn't be."
Dean from Waukesha said both sides need to stop the hatred, but that won't happen if Trump and his followers don't stop as well.
"This is not how our elections should be. It's a result of the division and hatred that Trump and his Maga followers have given for the past 5 years," he said. "There is certainly blame on both sides, but undoubtedly, Trump and his followers started us on this dark path."
Ben from Appleton said shock is what he felt most, but also noted he doesn't think Trump has taken gun violence in this country seriously whatsoever.
"Call it out when people make politically violent statements and take domestic terror organizations like the Proud Boys seriously when they threaten said violence," he said.
Tony from Milwaukee said he took his dog out after hearing the news and felt unsafe.
"I felt vulnerable standing outside in my own yard. There was an eerie feeling in the air," he said. "We are on the brink of a civil war in our country. My condolences to the families of the deceased and injured."
He'd like to do away with political parties to help tone down the rhetoric.
"The economy is so poor and our country is so off track, more so than it’s ever been. We need to do away with political parties all together and the titles of Republican and Democrat," Tony said. "It’s dividing our country and forcing people to pick a side."
Jerrianne from South Milwaukee said almost as disgusting as the act itself was the immediate blame-game, conspiracy theories, calls for retribution and the kind of divisive hate-filled rhetoric that perpetuates the violence-filled environment we have today.
"For GOP leaders, including Trump, and convention speakers and attendees to tone down the divisive, blame-game, hate and violence-filled language," she said. "They need to focus on the positive, and what their candidate and party will do for the country and the people."
Ahead of RNC, a call for stepped up security in Milwaukee
There were many calls from readers to rally around the law enforcement providing security at the convention:
"Trust the professionals in charge. They are there for their expertise."
"Clear safe zones. No open air events. A call for calm and not retribution."
"Strong security, don’t allow people to carry into the building seems obvious."
"Be vigilant. Trust the security in place. Be watchful."
"Proceed as planned with extra cautions."
"The safest way Milwaukee can proceed with the convention is a security nightmare after what just happened. Trump can’t have any rallies outside, there’s too many variables and clearly things can happen even from outside a secure perimeter," said Tony from Milwaukee. "Everyone will need to be screened, there should be procedures like passing thru TSA security at airports. In my opinion that’s the only way I would feel safe."
Said Larry from Greenfield. "Expand the soft and hard zones by a few blocks respectively. It appears the process has been well thought out so far, but yesterday's actions could be a game-changer."
"Call out the National Guard. Tighten up the security zone," said Jim from Waukesha. "And why the hell did the City of Milwaukee allow the whiny protesters to get part of what they wanted in being more visible or audible to those attending the GOP convention? That’s just asking for trouble."
Send us your thoughts on Saturday's events, what they mean for RNC
Former President Donald Trump is safe following what is being investigated as an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally just two days before the Republican National Convention is preparing to kick off in Milwaukee.
The suspected shooter is dead, USA TODAY reports. A spokesman said Trump was fine, but was being examined at a nearby medical facility. There's been an outpouring of well-wishes and support for Trump, around the country and in Wisconsin. The news is a lot to digest.
We'd like to get your reaction. Please fill out the form (which will be open until 6 p.m. Sunday) and we'll post your comments:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We want to know your thoughts on attempted Trump assassination
