What Do We Know About Assassins of Political Figures?

With the second assassination attempt made on Donald Trump within two months, what do we know about assassins of political figures?

Historically, many of the previous attempted/completed assassinations had no political goal in mind by the assassin, while some others clearly had a political rationale.? For example, the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin made in November, 1995, was executed by a right-wing extremist law student who opposed the signing of the Oslo-Accords.? However, the attempted assassination of then President Ronald Reagan made by John Hinckley had no political ideology.? John Hinckley was found to be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, and Hinckley believed his actions would impress actress Jodie Foster, his obsession.

What we know about this current shooter is that he was an avid supporter of Democracy, as well as Ukraine in its war against Russia.? He was “looking to recruit soldiers” from Afghanistan to help with this cause, and stated in interviews and on his social media accounts that this was a fight between “good versus evil.” Although originally a supporter of Donald Trump, he shifted his stance and posted negative commentary about the former president on his social media.? He has a criminal record and had been charged in the past with numerous felonies.? He was described by reporters who interviewed him in the past to be “non-sensical,” “not particularly organized,“ and “financially despondent.”

There are some common threads between mass shooters/school shooters and those would-be assassins of political figures or “lone wolves.” Notably, they are mostly White males, seek notoriety, have access to weapons and maintain some sort of grievance - feeling that someone or something is unfair, have personally wronged them or others.

Specific to assassins, they typically have a mental disorder; prior history of weapon use; history or interest in violence; hold a strong personal or political grievance; many have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide; and more than half served in the military.

Another factor worth considering is that it is not always a specific individual that these assassins are targeting, but rather what these figures may represent, or concomitantly, that they are public figures and celebrities who will provide vast notoriety and mass media coverage.? In assassination cases of the past, there have been assassins who turned their anger or hatred elsewhere, when an easier target became available. For example, George Wallace, a Presidential candidate in 1968 was shot.? The shooter had no political motivation whatsoever, but was instead seeking fame.? He told law enforcement that he originally planned to kill Richard Nixon, but had “easier access” to George Wallace.

We certainly did not have an opportunity to question the previous shooter who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump in July, as he was killed.? However, it’s interesting to note that it is not always political - sometimes, it’s about someone who struggles with a mental disorder and is looking for a person or group of people to suffer like they do.? And then sometimes, the figure is absolutely representative of some sort of grievance.? ?

When we look at the psychology of extremist groups, leaders often target individuals for membership who have experienced a perceived injustice, have a need for identity and belonging, have experienced disillusionment and a loss of belief in self-efficacy.? It often does not start as someone with a hateful ideology, but rather evolves into membership with a group that indoctrinated this individual into their belief system, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.? Thus, the thread of individual struggle, perceived injustice and a need to be recognized is prevalent in all these individuals who turn violent - mass shooters; assassins and members of extremist groups.

Clearly, our political landscape is intensely divided.? Studies show that although one would hope that an assassination attempt would draw people together, it often furthers the political divide.

It’s more than time to end the violence.

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