Trump 2024 Odds Soar After Assassination Attempt
Former President Donald Trump has been the leading candidate in the 2024 election betting markets for some time. However, his odds of winning the November 5 election and potentially unseating incumbent President Joe Biden have further improved following a failed assassination attempt on the Republican leader.
The Incident
During a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, the FBI reported that a 20-year-old opened fire from a nearby rooftop, aiming at Trump’s head. The bullet “pierced the upper part” of Trump’s right ear before the 78-year-old ducked for cover. Secret Service agents swiftly moved to protect the former president.
A sniper quickly neutralized the suspected assailant. Trump, his face streaked with blood, stood up surrounded by Secret Service agents and gave a triumphant fist pump to the crowd.
The Assailant
The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican. Federal campaign finance records revealed that Crooks had contributed $15 to ActBlue, a progressive political action committee supporting Democratic politicians, on January 20, 2021, the day Biden was sworn into office.
Trump’s Response
In the aftermath of the near-fatal incident, Trump took to his TruthSocial media platform. While he survived, one rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured.
“Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness,” Trump posted.
Betting Odds Shift
Following the assassination attempt, bettors increased their stakes on Trump winning the 2024 election. On political wagering exchanges, Trump’s implied odds of winning in November improved from about 59% to 66%.
In the UK, where bookmakers are legally allowed to take bets on US political outcomes, odds on Trump winning also shortened. At William Hill, one of the largest sportsbooks in the UK, Trump’s odds shifted from -190 to -275. These odds respectively represent an implied likelihood of 52.6% and 73.3%.
Trump Calls for Unity
Trump used the opportunity to call for national unity during these divisive times.
“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. I truly love our Country, and love you all,” Trump said.
Bipartisan Support
Leaders from both sides of the political aisle voiced their support for the former president.
President Biden said he had “been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally” and was “grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well.” He added that he’s “praying for him and his family.” Vice President Kamala Harris issued a similar statement.
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a front-runner for Trump’s VP pick, said the assassination attempt was “not just some isolated incident.”
“The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance wrote on X. “That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
Vance included a link to a GoFundMe page for the shooting victims. Vivek Ramaswamy, another possible Trump VP pick, donated $30K to the fund. The founder of Jimmy John’s contributed $10K.
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Following a failed assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump’s 2024 election odds have significantly improved, sparking bipartisan support and shifting betting markets.
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Trump 2024 election odds
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.