Assassination attempt boosts Trump's ratings as he portrays himself as martyr - expert

Kraiev expressed his opinion on Espreso TV.

"Trump is already using the assassination attempt to his advantage. His approval rating increased by 1.5% after the attempt. Therefore, Trump already has certain benefits from this event. Although it is truly terrible and I see no reason to look for conspiracy theories, he is now leveraging it. Bookmakers are already giving 70% odds for Trump's victory," Krayev explained.

According to the expert, after the assassination attempt, Trump will further promote his image as a martyr for the future of the United States.

"In addition to increasing his chances of victory after the assassination attempt, Trump is also cementing the image he has been developing in recent months. In particular, he portrays himself as a martyr for a better future for the country. It seems that he wants to make the USA a great power again, and for this, they are trying to kill him. The assassination attempt on Trump also strongly supports his informational narrative," he added.

Attack on Trump

On Saturday, July 13, an attempt was made on the life of presumptive U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. After gunfire was heard, Trump was evacuated from the stage with blood on his face, according to The New York Times.

In videos of Trump's speech, sounds similar to gunshots can be heard. Trump then touches his right ear and falls to the floor, and U.S. Secret Service agents rush to him.

The shooting left one attendee dead and two others critically injured, authorities say.

The Associated Press reports that the incident is being investigated as an attempted assassination of Trump.

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening," Trump reacted after the attack.

Current US President Joe Biden condemned the shooting at Trump's rally.

Sources from the New York Post and CNN later identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He was reportedly sitting on the roof of a manufacturing plant more than 119 meters from the stage.