Following the shooting, Donald Trump’s response was casual despite the circumstances. In a recent interview, he made jokes on the shooter’s capability in bypassing his security. Because of this some individuals online were even questioning if the shooting was actually authentic or was made to push an agenda. As the shooting was also covered by national media, students and teachers at CKHS also shared their opinions on the ordeal as well.
“I think that a lot of people or skeptics think it’s staged,” CKHS senior Wyatt Bell said. “Or this response could partly be due in part to just how much crazy stuff happens with [Donald] Trump. I mean, this would be the third attempted assassination on record. Honestly, I think that a big reason why there’s so much skepticism is because there’s really not a lot of honesty left in the government.”
With the aftermath of the shooting were calls from right wing influencers, with Trump demanding for a White House ballroom. With its need to be built due to security concerns in case of another attempt.
“I mean, there wasn’t really an attack that took place, to be honest with you,” CKHS senior Joshua Stoops said. “I think if we were to just go build a huge ballroom, it’s kind of a waste of taxpayers’ money because that’s exactly what it’s being spent with. I think that just the fact that the shooter literally didn’t even make it through the metal detector. He literally ran right past him [Secret Service personnel], instantly got shot and then was put in cuffs.”
After the shooter was arrested there were accusations of the event being a manufactured distraction from ongoing controversies surrounding the administration. Although this conspiracy is mostly unfounded, there is still a growing belief due to the near constant spread of misinformation by both political spectrums.
“I think the explanation to me, that’s the easiest and makes the most sense is something snapped in him, and he decided to drive across the country and do this thing that nobody wants to have seen done, and it’s a strange response to anything,” social studies teacher Erik Randall said. “But I also think that people are looking for answers. I think government, politics, power, everything kind of seems strange right now.”
