Connecticut voters react to Trump assassination attempt

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – An attempted assassination on former president Donald Trump this weekend has Connecticut voters thinking about the country’s current political climate.

While personal politics may be different, feelings of shock and disappointment were common amongst voters in the greater Hartford area. Many people News 8 spoke to on Monday said the division between parties has reached a dangerous level.

“I think there’s so much hatred in the United States, it’s terrible,” said Bonnie Baillargeon, of East Hampton. “It’s so sad. I mean, first off, he’s human. He’s a father, grandfather.”

Keilyanna Cerrano and Naylah Campbell from Hartford said the shooting that seriously injured two people and killed a man shouldn’t have happened.

“There’s no reason for violence, there shouldn’t be any reason to go that far in trying to assassinate former presidents or even future presidents,” Cerrano said.

Campell said politics should be civil.

“I don’t think people should ever resort to violence,” she said. “That’s just not how this is supposed to work.”

On his social media network, Truth Social, Trump called for unity this weekend, saying that, “In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.”

Biden echoed a similar message in his address Sunday from the Oval Office.

“While we may disagree, we are not enemies, we’re neighbors, we’re friends, co-workers, citizens, and most importantly, we are fellow Americans,” Biden said. “We must stand together.”

Quinnipiac University history Professor Philip Goduti, Jr., said this kind of message is important to hear from leaders, as it sets the tone for the rest of the election.

“This is a moment in history where the decisions are important moving forward because it can go two different ways,” Goduti said. “It can move to more of a unity throughout this nation and understanding one another or it can separate us even further and it can divide us to the point where it would be very difficult to come back as a nation.”

Voters, including Benjamin Gonzalez, said the country still seems to be split.

“I would hope this would bring people together but at the present moment, it kind of feels like we’re still divided, unfortunately,” he said.

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