Latest on Donald Trump: Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt on Trump, was reportedly a pro-Ukrainian activist

Anthony Zurcher
BBC correspondent for North America

Image source, Reuters

After decades of no political violence against a presidential candidate of one of the major parties in the United States, two major incidents have now occurred within two months – both times former President Donald Trump was the target.

Americans have seemingly had to regularly adapt to “new normals” in politics – both large and small – in recent years.

The national discourse has become harsher, partisan divisions have deepened and entrenched, and standards for candidate conduct have eroded.

Given the nationwide epidemic of gun violence, such attacks may represent another inevitable new normal.

But at the moment it is still shocking.

Image source, Reuters

“Violence has no place in America,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement.

The details of the alleged assassination – particularly the identity and motive of the attacker – will ultimately determine what impact it will have on American politics.

But right now, despite the Vice President's comments, it seems that this type of violence is becoming increasingly common in America today.