The fine line that separates democracy from civil war

Though the attempt to kill Donald Trump was unsuccessful, dark days lie ahead for the United States

- Kim Sengupta

The blood on Donald Trump’s face was a shocking and vivid reminder of the fine red line that lies between democracy and violent chaos in even the world’s most powerful country.

The gunman’s bullet struck the former president’s right ear before Secret Service agents rushed to the stage and hauled him down. And now, the image that emerged of him injured, fist raised in defiance, the stars and stripes flying above, may help to propel him back into the White House.

Had it struck him just an inch away from where it did, the shot could have led to Trump’s death, sparking a very real chance of America – bitterly divided, with a heavily armed population – sliding into widespread violence, insurrection, and possibly even a second civil war.

The moment of danger for the United States came on a blisteringly hot late afternoon in Pennsylvania, where a crowd of tens of thousands had waited for hours at the Butler Farm showground for Trump to arrive. With little shade available, medics moved among the crowd as elderly rallygoers suffered under the blazing sun and Maga caps were taken off for heads to be sponged.

Any torpor turned into messianic fervour when Trump got onto the stage, settling quickly into the vaudeville pattern of his rallies. The faithful cheered at his boasts, booed at mentions of Joe Biden, and exclaimed in ire when he spoke of a stolen election and attempts to silence him with “fake” criminal charges.

Then came the shots, muted cracks one after the other, at least eight times. Those of us who have covered violence in conflict zones and at volatile gatherings hit by gunfire are familiar with what unfolded – the initial incomprehension, a brief stillness, and then an eruption of confused fear, shouts and screams.