Second Assassination Attempt on Trump Sends Bitcoin Plummeting
On September 15, Donald Trump faced a second assassination attempt while playing golf at his West Palm Beach course. The assassination attempt shocked both the political and financial worlds, with cryptocurrency markets taking a sharp hit. Although Trump remained unharmed, Bitcoin’s value dropped, showing how politics and crypto are more connected than ever.
Shots Fired at Trump’s Golf Course
At 1 PM EST, Secret Service agents spotted a man with an AK-47 close to Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club at 1:00 PM EST. Agents opened fire as the suspect—later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58—tried escaping. He managed to escape in a black SUV, but not very far. The license plate of his car was captured by a witness, enabling the police to locate him on Interstate 95.
Authorities found two backpacks, a GoPro camera, and a rifle near the golf course. The Secret Service’s swift action likely averted a major tragedy. Ryan Wesley Routh has been arrested, and the FBI is now investigating the incident as an attempted assassination.
Bitcoin Drops Amid Market Panic
The impact of the assassination attempt extended beyond the political sphere. It had an instant impact on the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin suffering a significant loss. After hearing the news, the price of Bitcoin dropped from $60,313 to $58,627, a decline of about 3%.
The sharp decline led to $116.52 million in liquidations, hitting long positions the hardest. In a single day, more than 49,000 traders suffered the impact. Investors reacted strongly because of Trump’s support for cryptocurrency. As a Republican candidate, many see him as a proponent of favourable crypto regulations. Any threat to his candidacy adds uncertainty, causing market volatility.
Political Leaders Respond
The incident drew strong reactions from political leaders across the spectrum. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief that Trump was safe. Both condemned the violence, urging unity and an end to such attacks. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas praised the swift action of the Secret Service, emphasizing the continued importance of protecting presidential candidates.
Also Read: Trump’s Election Odds Slip by 3% on Crypto Betting Platform Polymarket After Debate
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