Conspiracy Theories Surge Following Assassination Attempt, Reflecting America’s Polarized Political Climate
In the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, misinformation has spread rapidly, highlighting the deep political divides in the country just months before the November elections. Trump was shot at during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and rushed offstage with blood on his face, while the attacker was shot dead by security forces. The incident also resulted in the death of a bystander and critical injuries to two others.
The Rise of Conspiracy Theories
Minutes after the attack, social media erupted with unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories, such as the shooting being staged and the blood being fake. A digitally altered image circulated online showing Trump’s security detail allegedly smiling during the chaos, contrasting with the real photos that depicted the agents without smiles. These false narratives fueled political tensions, with both sides of the political spectrum attempting to push blame onto the opposing camp.
On the left, some suggested the shooting was orchestrated by Trump to gain political sympathy, while right-wing supporters speculated that the Biden administration was behind the attack, accusing the Secret Service of allowing it to happen. As speculation grew, individuals falsely identified the shooter before the authorities made the official announcement.
Political Actors Amplifying Misinformation
Dr. Julien Giry, a political analyst at the University of Tours in France, explained that events like this one create opportunities for actors across the political spectrum to spread alternative narratives and shift blame. Prominent figures, including Democratic strategist Dmitri Mehlhorn, faced backlash after suggesting that the shooting was staged, and later issued an apology.
On the right, claims emerged suggesting that Trump’s security detail played a role in the attack. A video and doctored photos were shared to support the idea that the assassination attempt was an “inside job” by the Trump campaign or government. These claims were quickly debunked, but not before they gained widespread attention.
The Role of Social Media
Professor Roy Gutterman of Syracuse University noted that social media platforms act as megaphones for conspiracy theories, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked. The rapid spread of these theories has contributed to the already intense political divisions in the United States, further exacerbated by the belief in a “deep state” among some far-right circles, including QAnon supporters. These movements claim that powerful, secretive elites control the government for their own interests.
In this highly charged atmosphere, tech platforms have faced criticism for reducing content moderation, which some believe allows misinformation to thrive, particularly in conservative circles. Nora Benavidez of Free Press emphasized the need for caution in the face of such widespread misinformation, urging people to verify content before sharing.
Trump’s Support Base and the Impact of the Shooting
For Trump’s supporters, the assassination attempt has only intensified their conviction that he is a target of deep state forces. Despite the misinformation, Trump’s campaign is pressing forward with its bid for the White House, and analysts predict that the shooting may rally his supporters even further.
As misinformation continues to spread, analysts warn that the political environment in the US is becoming even more polarized, with conspiracy theories increasingly shaping public discourse ahead of the upcoming election.
