In the hours following the July 13 attempted assassination of Donald Trump, an eerie narrative swept across the mainstream media that was a classic case of gaslighting. There were rumors that reporters had been told “Don’t call it assassination” or a “shooting” as that’s “unclear at the moment.” Whether those rumors were true or not was certainly elucidated by a quick look at the major headlines from Saturday evening.
USA Today: “Trump Removed from Stage by Secret Service after Loud Noises Startle Former President, Crowd”
NBC: “Secret Service Rushes Trump Off Stage after Popping Noises Heard at His Pennsylvania Rally”
AP: “Donald Trump has been Escorted off the Stage by Secret Service During a Rally After Loud Noises Ring Out in Crowd” [they even had the picture of Trump bloodied on stage]
CNN: “Secret Service Rushes Trump Off Stage after He Falls at Rally”