A Disturbing Pattern Repeats in History
On September 15, 2024, former President Donald Trump narrowly survived a second assassination attempt—an incident that echoes a long and sobering pattern in U.S. political history. With this, Trump joins a list of American presidents and former presidents who have faced life-threatening attacks, highlighting the intense scrutiny and danger that accompany the office.
Since the nation’s founding, 45 men have served as president. Shockingly, 40% of them have experienced assassination attempts. Four—Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy—were tragically killed while in office.

When the Office Becomes a Target

Presidents are often viewed as the physical embodiment of the country’s values, policies, and ideals. As such, they inevitably become symbols—whether revered or reviled. For some disillusioned individuals, targeting the presidency itself becomes a form of protest or political expression.