It’s happened again. American politics has once again been assaulted by an act of violence upon one of our leaders. The shocking news of someone attempting to kill Donald Trump, again, a former President and Republican candidate for the 2024 election, is a stark reminder of the deep divides that exist in our society. Politics aside, the notion that anyone could believe they have the right to take another person’s life is abhorrent. This incident raises critical questions about our society, such as what drives someone to this extreme and how we can safeguard our political system against such chaos.

The person who plotted this act appeared to have meticulously planned their attack. Yet, it seems this person lacks the logical thought process that characterizes a rational American citizen. What influences could have led to such a chilling decision? The rhetoric surrounding politics has reached a fever pitch, filled with extreme views and inflammatory language. It is essential to examine the factors that contribute to a mindset where violence appears to be a viable option for expressing disagreement or frustration with political figures.

Moreover, the recent events in Pennsylvania, where a similar situation unfolded less than two months ago, make this latest incident even more troubling. With my background in law enforcement and familiarity with the Secret Service (I have been assigned to both Presidential and First Lady details), I know that they are highly trained to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The fact that there have been two serious lapses in protection within just a few weeks raises significant concerns. If high-profile individuals like Trump and Robert Kennedy are not receiving the same level of security as the current president, we must seriously consider the implications of this neglect. These people clearly require such protection given evidence before us.

We have witnessed a decline in civility in our political discourse, and the idea that America is becoming akin to a third-world country in terms of political violence is unacceptable. As citizens, we deserve free, fair, and uncorrupted elections, where political disagreements do not escalate into threats or acts of violence. America has long been seen as a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom and democracy. If we do not address these issues, we risk becoming lost in a dark political wilderness.

In conclusion, the recent attempt on Donald Trump's life is a wake-up call for our nation. It highlights the urgent need to protect not only our leaders but also the stability of our political system.  We must engage in constructive dialogue, promote understanding, and ensure that safety is a priority for all public figures. This is not just a matter of security but a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy that our nation holds dear. The time to act is now; we must choose a path of peace over violence to preserve the integrity of our nation. If we fail to do so now, at this time in history, our future as a nation appears bleak.

Editor’s Note: Richard R. Fascia is the Republican candidate for the Rhode Island state House of Representatives District 42 seat (Johnston/Cranston).