The failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump during his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday night marked a significant moment in American politics. In response to this event, supporters of the former president took to social media to create memes that celebrated Trump’s indomitable spirit and mocked the left’s extreme animosity towards him.
One of the most widely shared images was an edit of a photograph capturing Trump defiantly raising his fist in front of Secret Service agents at the event, with added red laser eyes and text that read “YOU MISSED.” Another meme used a similar photograph, this time adding an Xbox 360-style “Achievement Unlocked: Survived Assassination Attempt” graphic. A different angle of the same moment, focusing more closely on Trump’s bloodied face and raised fist, was given a “Parental Advisory” sticker, making it appear like a rap album cover.
Some memes drew inspiration from scenes in The Matrix where hero Neo dodges and halts bullets, while others depicted the youngest son of Trump, Barron, as an avenger seeking vengeance for his father’s attack. Another common theme was portraying Hillary Clinton as a serial killer of political rivals. Memes also accused Democrats and the Deep State of staging presidential assassinations throughout American history.
Many posts highlighted President Joe Biden’s age and frailty, while others criticized media outlets like CNN and the Washington Post for downplaying the seriousness of the attack by using euphemistic language, reminiscent of their infamous “fiery but mostly peaceful” chyron from 2020. The satirical website Babylon Bee also chimed in with headlines such as “Trump Indicted for Inciting Assassination Attempt.
Despite the assassination attempt, Trump confirmed that a bullet had pierced his right ear while he was speaking at the event, and several audience members were also shot, one fatally. The suspect was identified as a man who climbed onto a nearby roof with a rifle and fired at the former president before being killed by Secret Service counter-snipers.