The 21st century has already witnessed some high-profile political assassination attempts. Take the recent Trump assassination attempt as an example. Some of these tragic events have not only claimed the lives of prominent leaders but have also had far-reaching consequences on the political landscape of the affected countries.
Here, we explore some of the major political assassinations and assassination attempts that occurred in the 21st century so far.
9 Major Political Assassination Attempts of the Last Decade
1. Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (2024)
On July 13, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt while addressing a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire from the roof of a nearby building, striking Trump in the ear. Secret Service agents quickly (if incompetently) rushed Trump to safety, and the shooter was killed by snipers. One spectator was killed, and two others were injured in the attack.
2. Shinzo Abe, Former Prime Minister of Japan (2022)
On July 8, 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated while delivering a campaign speech in Nara, western Japan. The shocking attack was carried out by a lone gunman using a homemade firearm. Abe’s assassination was widely condemned and sparked a national mourning period in Japan and around the world.
3. Jovenel Moïse, President of Haiti (2021)
On July 7, 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his private residence by a group of armed mercenaries posing as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. The attack left the president dead and his wife wounded, plunging Haiti into a state of political turmoil.
4. Berta Cáceres, Environmental and Indigenous Rights Activist in Honduras (2016)
Berta Cáceres, a prominent Honduran environmental and indigenous rights activist, was assassinated in her home on March 3, 2016. Cáceres had been a vocal critic of the Honduran government and international corporations, highlighting the dangers faced by activists in Honduras.
5. Qassem Soleimani, Iranian Major General (2020)
On January 3, 2020, Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani was assassinated in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. Soleimani’s killing significantly escalated tensions between the United States and Iran, leading to fears of a potential war.
6. Boris Nemtsov, Russian Opposition Leader (2015)
Boris Nemtsov, a prominent Russian opposition leader and critic of President Vladimir Putin, was assassinated on February 27, 2015, near the Kremlin in Moscow. His murder sparked protests in Russia and calls for an independent investigation.
7. Rafic Hariri, Former Prime Minister of Lebanon (2005)
On February 14, 2005, former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri was assassinated in a car bombing in Beirut. The attack, which killed 21 people, led to massive protests in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country.
8. Benazir Bhutto, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan (2007)
On December 27, 2007, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a suicide attack and gun battle in Rawalpindi. Her death was a major blow to Pakistan’s democratic process and sparked widespread violence and protests across the country.
9. Yasser Arafat, Former President of the Palestinian National Authority (2004)
Yasser Arafat, the former president of the Palestinian National Authority, died on November 11, 2004, in a Paris hospital. The cause of his death was initially reported as a stroke, but later investigations suggested that he may have been poisoned. Arafat’s death came at a critical time in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Political assassinations are a reality – and only more attentive effort and security can contribute towards solving this issue. Be it strengthening democratic institutions, protecting human rights, or promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, collective efforts are needed.
The first quadrant of the 21st century has seen plenty of assassinations, and here’s hope this statistic remains lower going ahead.
