Donald Trump assassination attempt sparks gun control debate in upcoming election

A stunning image appears to capture the bullet used in the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, as the incident sparks a debate across the US.

An incredible photo appears to show a bullet streaking past Donald Trump in the attempted assassination on the former US President.

Pictures of the split second Trump was hit were taken by the New York Times photographer Doug Mills.

One snap appears to show a streaking object whizzing past Trump’s head, with a subsequent image showing him clutching at his right ear.

The shooting, where Trump has only suffered a minor injury to his ear, has sparked a renewed gun control debate in the US.

Gun control could become an election issue following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, despite the former president promising to reverse gun restrictions put in place by Joe Biden’s administration if he gets elected.

Northeastern University professor of criminology, law and public policy, James Alan Fox, said like with the attempt on Ronald Reagan’s life and the shooting of multiple people at a Republican meeting in 2011, this latest incident will make gun violence a “major issue” in the campaign.

Professor Fox, who leads the Associated Press/USA TODAY/Northeastern University Mass Killings Database, which is the longest-running and most extensive data source on the subject, said the Republican Party has been rather reluctant to back sensible gun control measures.

This image appears to show a bullet flying through the air in the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Picture: New York Times/Headpress

Gun control could become an election issue following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Picture: AFP

“Their party leader has been shot,” Professor Fox told the university’s news site. “Fortunately, he didn’t get mortally wounded, but it certainly should help them reconsider some of their stances on sensible gun safety measures.”

Mr Trump has actively sought the support of the gun lobby.

He told thousands of National Rifle Association (NRA) members in an address in Dallas in May to go to the polls and back him, saying he would unravel gun regulations introduced in the last four years.

At the beginning of the year, new gun safety laws came into effect in several states, including California, where people are now prohibited from carrying concealed guns in 26 places including public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos.

DonaldTrump has actively sought the support of the gun lobby. Picture: AFP

“We’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” Mr Trump said to NRA members in May.

“I think you’re a rebellious bunch. But let’s be rebellious and vote this time.”

The gun rights group has endorsed Mr Trump in three elections in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

During his first term Mr Trump showed his support for NRA by designating firearm shops as essential businesses during the pandemic, allowing them to stay open.

A person is removed by state police from the stands after guns were fired at Republican candidate Donald Trump. Picture: AFP

The NRA responded to the assassination attempt on Mr Trump by posting on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We pray for the safety and wellbeing of President Trump and the brave men and women protecting him and all in attendance in PA,” it wrote.

The post sparked comments of irony from others users.

@relientkenny wrote, “sucks trump got shot at. imagine if we had GUN CONTROL to prevent it from happening.”

Last year there were 655 mass shootings in the US, according to the Gun Violence Archive.