Josh Shapiro barely escapes assassination; why Trump should call him

Political violence is a disturbing trend that has been escalating in recent years, regardless of political affiliation. The recent assassination attempts against President Donald Trump are just the tip of the iceberg. In Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, narrowly missing a fatal shot. Another attempt was foiled by the Secret Service, but the image of a bloodied Trump raising his fist became iconic.

The specter of political violence reared its head again when a would-be assassin targeted the man who would go on to win a second term in the White House in 2024. The attempt to kill Trump nearly changed the course of the election, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

However, political violence is not limited to high-profile figures like Trump. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania recently became a target of an arson attack on his gubernatorial residence. The attack, which took place on the first day of Passover, is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by public officials.

The arsonist, a 38-year-old man, set fire to the governor’s mansion while Shapiro, his wife Lori, and their children were sleeping inside. Fortunately, they were unharmed, but the building sustained significant damage. The incident has shaken Shapiro and his family to the core, leaving them feeling vulnerable and exposed.

In the aftermath of the attack, Shapiro condemned political violence unequivocally, regardless of the perpetrator’s political beliefs. He emphasized the importance of celebrating one’s faith openly and proudly, refusing to be intimidated by acts of hatred and violence.

The attack on Shapiro is part of a disturbing trend of using political violence to settle differences, a trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. It is imperative that we take a stand against such acts of aggression and work towards a more civil and respectful political discourse.

As we grapple with the aftermath of the attack on Governor Shapiro, it is essential that we do not move on quickly and forget the gravity of what transpired. A Jewish governor was targeted and nearly assassinated, and that is a story that deserves our attention and reflection. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of political extremism and the need for unity and understanding in these divisive times.