Posted on: July 14, 2024, 07:54h.
Last updated on: July 14, 2024, 07:54h.
Former President Donald Trump has been the 2024 betting front-runner for some time. But his odds of winning the Nov. 5 election and ousting incumbent President Joe Biden from the White House have further shortened following yesterday’s failed assassination attempt of the Republican leader.
During a rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, for the 45th president of the United States, the FBI says a 20-year-old opened fire from a nearby rooftop aimed at Trump’s head. The bullet “pierced the upper part” of the billionaire’s right ear before the 78-year-old ducked for cover and Secret Service agents rushed the stage to cover the former casino magnate.
A sniper quickly shot and killed the suspected assailant. Trump stood up, his face streaked with blood, surrounded by Secret Service agents, and gave a triumphant fist pump to the crowd.
The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a registered Republican but who, per federal campaign finance records, contributed $15 to ActBlue, a progressive political action committee that supports Democratic politicians, on Jan. 20, 2021, the day Biden was sworn into office.
Trump Odds Shorten
In the aftermath of nearly dying by a matter of inches, Trump took to his TruthSocial media platform. While he survived, one attendee at the rally 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.
Bettors risking money on the 2024 outcome expanded their liabilities on Trump ousting Biden. On political wagering exchanges, the only form of political gambling that is permitted in a gray area, as legal challenges persist, Trump’s implied odds of winning in November improved from about 59% to 66%.
Bookmakers in the UK are legally allowed to take bets on US political outcomes. Oddsmakers there also shortened their lines on Trump winning.
At William Hill, among the largest sportsbooks in the UK, Trump’s odds shortened from -190 to -275. The odds respectively represent an implied likelihood of 52.6% and 73.3%.
Trump tried to unite a most divisive country.
“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 arena voiced support for the former 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.” The president added that he’s “praying for him and his family.” Vice President Kamala Harris issued a similar statement.
Ohio Sen. 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.
