Before Saturday's attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, there have been multiple instances of political violence targeting the country's leaders. From the first president, George Washington, to the most recent, Joe Biden, the office of the president has often been a target for those seeking to disrupt the political process.
DALLAS — An assassination attempt was made on former president Donald Trump Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. That has led many to reflect on the long history of violence directed at US presidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that come with holding the highest office in the land.
Four U.S. presidents have been assassinated in the country's history. Others have survived shootings, including Ronald Reagan and Theodore Roosevelt. The Secret Service works tirelessly to protect the president and prevent such attacks, but the risk is always present.
While the vice presidency may seem like a prime launching pad, only 15 U.S. VPs have advanced to the highest office. Many have served in other roles after their time as VP, but only a select few have made it to the presidency.
Four U.S. presidents have been assassinated in the country's history, but there have been many more attempts on presidents' lives. From John F. Kennedy to Andrew Jackson, the list of presidents who have faced assassination attempts is long and troubling.
It's not just Joe Biden and Donald Trump: Many US presidents and their challengers have been sick — secretly or publicly. From Woodrow Wilson to George H.W. Bush, illness has affected many presidents throughout history.
Donald Trump is one of many sitting and former US presidents to be targeted in an assassination attempt. The former US President and his supporters have been the subject of numerous threats and attacks over the years.
Jimmy Carter, who extended his record as the longest-living U.S. president with his 99th birthday in 2023, is part of a dwindling number of former presidents still alive. Carter has been a vocal advocate for peace and humanitarian causes since leaving office.
Not all United States presidents seek or win re-election. Here is the list of the country's leaders who were in power for only one term or chose not to run again. From James K. Polk to Donald Trump, these presidents had varying reasons for their single-term presidencies.
