Assassination Attempt (2)

Hi Global Recap readers,

Have political assassination attempts become normalized in the US?

It’s only been two months since the notorious attempt on Former President Trump’s life.

• When asked about it, President Biden expressed relief that Trump is unharmed and mentioned that the Secret Service “needs help.” 

• This follows the Palm Beach Sheriff’s statement that Trump isn’t receiving maximum protection since he’s no longer the sitting president.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Yet Another Trump Assassination Attempt

In a shocking turn of events, Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the second assassination attempt on former President Trump, appeared in court laughing and smiling.

But before diving into that, here’s what we know so far about the assassination attempt:

The Incident

It was initially reported that Routh allegedly aimed an AK-47 at Trump while he was golfing.

• Routh was reportedly waiting for Trump on his Florida golf course, hidden in the bushes.

• The weapon was later identified as an SKS-style rifle.

• Secret Service agents spotted the rifle muzzle sticking through the shrubbery.

• According to court documents filed on Monday, Routh had been camped outside the golf course with food and a rifle for nearly 12 hours before a Secret Service agent confronted him and opened fire.

• Routh fled, leaving behind the rifle, two backpacks/ceramic shield plates, an aiming scope, and a GoPro camera.

• A nearby bystander took a photo of Routh’s license plate and gave it to the cops.

• Routh was captured about 45 minutes later.

Social Media Presence

Before Routh’s social media accounts were removed, please quickly took screenshots of his posts. And they are, let’s say… unhinged.

Below are allegedly screenshots from his various accounts:

• He appears to be both pro-Ukraine and pro-Palestine.

• In one post, he claims that “democracy is on the ballot,” a phrase often used by Democrats to suggest that Trump poses a threat to democracy and that voting for Harris is essential to protect it. This, unsurprisingly, led Trump supporters to criticize the Biden administration for perpetuating such divisive rhetoric.

Court Appearance

Routh appeared in court on Monday morning, fully engaged and answering all questions.

• He wore jail scrubs and shackles and smiled several times.

• He faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

• Routh will be formally arraigned on September 30.

Legal Proceedings

The judge read the potential penalties for each charge.

• The first offense carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

• The second offense carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

• Routh claimed he could not afford a defense attorney.

Next Steps

Routh’s detention hearing is scheduled for September 23.

• The prosecution argued he is a pre-trial flight risk.

• The defense requested more time to prepare, which the judge granted.

• A probable cause hearing is set for September 30.

🇫🇷 FRANCE
Fired or Resigned?

Thierry Breton, France’s European Internal Market Commissioner, has stepped down, pointing to “questionable governance” under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as his reason for resigning.

If you’ve been following Global Recaps from the start, you’ll remember—yes, this is the same guy who kept pushing Elon Musk to censor content on X under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

But did he step down voluntarily, or was he “asked” to?

Resignation Announcement

Breton announced his resignation on X.

• Breton was appointed for a second term by President Emmanuel Macron in June.

• He claimed von der Leyen asked France to withdraw his name for personal reasons not discussed with him.

• His resignation letter highlighted concerns over von der Leyen’s governance.

X’s Response

The CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino, didn’t hold back. She even gave him another push to make sure he’s down for good. 😂

Immediate Aftermath

France quickly nominated Stéphane Séjourné as Breton’s replacement.

• Séjourné is a close ally of Macron and leader of the centrist group in the European Parliament.

• He is expected to handle EU industrial and competitiveness policy.

Political Context

Breton’s resignation adds to the disarray in von der Leyen’s team appointments.

• Von der Leyen aims for a gender-balanced lineup, causing political rows in Slovenia.

• Before Elon Musk’s X Spaces conversation with President Trump, when Breton last threatened Musk, the EU was reportedly furious with him for going “rogue.”

🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS
New: “Strictest-Ever Asylum Policy”

The Netherlands is planning to implement some of the strictest anti-immigration measures in the European Union, citing bottlenecks in housing, health care, and education.

This news has been welcomed by many in the country, as well as critics worldwide, who are concerned about the harmful effects of the EU’s asylum seeker-friendly policies.

New Measures

The Dutch government announced new emergency anti-immigration measures as part of the ruling coalition’s program.

Some of these are:

• Stricter border checks and “tit for tat” punishments for troublemakers.

• Restrictions on family reunification, barring adult children from joining parents.

• Focus on forced returns and halting indefinite permits.

Government’s Stance

Marjolein Faber, the Minister for Migration and Asylum stated that the law aims to:

But that’s now all. Prime Minister Dick Schoof also defended the emergency measures, emphasizing:

• The government will ask the European Commission for an opt-out on EU asylum policies.

• The pressing need to manage the large influx of migrants.

Opposition Reaction

Opposition members and refugee organizations have criticized the plans.

• The Dutch Council for Refugees expressed deep concern over the measures.

• Critics argue the asylum problems are due to political choices, not an unexpectedly large number of asylum seekers.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Missile Attack Escalates Tensions

Israel faced a significant threat on Sunday, when a ballistic missile fired from Yemen penetrated its air defenses, causing widespread alarm, fires, and minor injuries.

Missile Impact

• The missile landed in the Ben Shemen forest, sparking a fire near Kfar Daniel.

• Shrapnel damage was reported at a train station on the outskirts of Modiin.

• Nine people sustained minor injuries while seeking shelter.

Air Defense Concerns

The incident raised questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s air defenses.

• Sirens were activated across central Israel, from east of Tel Aviv to Modiin.

• The IDF is investigating why the missile was not intercepted.

• Videos showed trails in the sky, indicating possible interception attempts.

Houthi Claims

The Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.

• Houthi official Nasr al-Din Amer stated that Israel’s defense systems failed.

• Another Houthi official announced a forthcoming address by their leader.

Historical Context

This attack is part of a series of missile and drone strikes by the Houthis.

• In July, a Houthi drone hit Tel Aviv, killing one person.

• Israel responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

• The Houthis have been targeting Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

🇩🇪🇰🇪 GERMANY & KENYA
Labor and Migration Deal

Just when it seemed like Germany had shifted its stance on immigration with recent changes to border security, the country signed a deal with Kenya.

Skilled Workers Agreement

The agreement allows more skilled workers from Kenya to live and work in Germany, while also streamlining the repatriation of those without the right to stay.

• The agreement allows more skilled workers from Kenya to move to Germany.

• It aims to address Germany’s need for 400,000 “skilled” immigrants annually.

• The deal also includes provisions for repatriating Kenyans who cannot stay in Germany.

• Online critics are labeling this move a “huge mistake” and accusing it of being an effort to “slowly replace the German population.”

Addressing Labor Shortage

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of the agreement.

• Scholz highlighted Germany’s aging and shrinking workforce.

• He stated that the labor shortage will persist for years.

• Scholz praised the agreement for helping to compensate for this shortage.

Kenyan Perspective

Kenyan President William Ruto shared his views on the deal.

• Ruto called it a comprehensive migration and labor mobility partnership.

• He emphasized the potential of Kenya’s young population.

• Ruto supported the rapid return of illegal migrants, noting it benefits both countries.