Who’s next? Series of 2024 attacks targeting world leaders

Former U.S. President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a Pennsylvania rally on July 13, Saturday, becoming the fourth world leader attacked in the last two months.

This attack added to the growing fear and panic globally as similar incidents have targeted other leaders.

Timeline of recent attacks

Robert Fico’s shooting

• Date: May 15, 2024
• Details: Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times in Handlova, leaving him in a coma for a short period.

Slovak media have said the suspected assailant, who was apprehended at the scene, is a 71-year-old man. 

The motive for the attack remains unclear, though Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said the assassination attempt was politically motivated and that the “perpetrator’s decision was born closely after the presidential election.”

Ibrahim Reisi’s fatal helicopter crash

• Date: May 19, 2024
• Details: Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi died in a helicopter crash alongside Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials.
• Suspicion: An initial report indicated the helicopter’s signal system was off, and no distress calls were made, fueling assassination theories.

Mette Frederiksen’s assault

• Date: June 7, 2024
• Details: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was punched during a pre-European Parliament election event in Copenhagen.
• Reaction: This attack drew widespread condemnation from the UN, EU, and other nations, highlighting the increasing threats to global leaders.

Implications, security concerns

The recent attacks on world leaders, including the latest on Trump, underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures. The absence of bulletproof glass during Trump’s speech in Pennsylvania has raised suspicions about the premeditated nature of the attack.

These incidents prompt a critical question: “Which world leader is next?” As global security becomes increasingly precarious, nations must reassess and bolster protection protocols for their leaders to prevent further tragedies.