
In the wake of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, a wave of mockery and dismay swept across social media platforms. The hashtags “How do you miss” and “one job” trended on X, with many leftists shamelessly expressing disappointment over the failed attack.
Ashley Nerbovig, a journalist for the far-left publication The Stranger, tweeted, “Make America aim again,” before deleting her accounts. The Stranger later issued a statement condemning political violence and removed Nerbovig’s author page. This sentiment was echoed by various public figures, including Tyler Barbieri, a New York City official, who posted on Instagram, “Too bad he missed,” and Pennsylvania city councilwoman Jess Branas, who wrote on Facebook, “A for effort.”
Karen Pinder, a professor at the University of British Columbia, took to X to express her disappointment, tweeting, “Damn, so close. Too bad,” and later commenting, “What a glorious day it could have been!” These reactions highlight the intense polarization and aggressive rhetoric that have characterized some leftist circles in recent years.
The assassination attempt, carried out by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Crooks, who was positioned on a rooftop about 130 yards from the stage, managed to injure Trump and kill Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who shielded his family from the gunfire. Authorities believe Crooks acted alone, but later found explosives in his vehicle and home.
Conservatives were quick to criticize the leftist reactions, citing previous instances of inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic figures. Notably, commentator Keith Olbermann once wrote, “There’s always the hope” that Trump would be assassinated. These comments have been brought to light as part of a broader critique of the violent discourse against Trump and his supporters.
As the investigation into the attack continues, there is a growing call for accountability and a reevaluation of security protocols at public events. The incident underscores the dangers posed by extreme political rhetoric and the need for a more respectful and secure public discourse.