On Chinese social media platforms, a Japanese animation scenario that shows the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump has attracted a lot of attention. Drawing inspiration from the anime series ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,’ the film dramatizes the July 13 shooting incident at a Pennsylvania campaign rally in which a gunman tried to assassinate Trump.
Thomas Mathew Crooks on rooftop
The footage shows the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, standing on a rooftop and firing shots at Trump while the former president speaks to his followers. In the anime scene, Trump deflects the bullet with a “stand,” a spirit manifestation of his soul, just in time to avoid getting an ear graze. The idea of a “stand” is a clear reference to the supernatural beings that characters in “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” use to battle and accomplish amazing feats. The particular animation is a parody of a well-known scenario in which Jotaro Kujo, the main character, uses his “stand” to deflect a bullet that is headed for his head.
Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci
An iconic shot by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci is faithfully recreated in the anime clip. In front of an American flag, Trump is seen in the picture clutching his bloodied ear and waving his fist at Secret Service agents. Before a sniper neutralized Crooks, a registered Republican, he shot and killed one rallygoer and injured two more. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism, although Crooks’ specific motive remains unclear.
The 78-year-old former president reflected on the incident and expressed shock, saying he felt saved “by luck or by God.” The experience was surreal, and he acknowledged that he thought he was supposed to be dead. Two days after the assassination attempt, Trump made an appearance in public at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, sporting a bandaged ear. The video quickly gained popularity on Chinese social media, where many users commented on how real-life events were blended with anime fiction, while others expressed shock and concern over the attempt on Trump’s life. The anime’s popularity highlights the global reach and influence of Japanese pop culture, even in the context of serious political events.
Different responses from public personalities
The near death experience of President Trump has also prompted different responses from public personalities. Reactions were directed at the bandmate of actor Jack Black, who made light of the event by jokeing, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, made a contentious comment when he called the UK the “first Islamist country” to obtain nuclear weapons. This comment sparked outrage and further sparked discussions about global politics..The incident continues to be a major topic of discussion in US politics as the inquiry progresses. It calls into question the threats that political figures may face and their level of safety. As demonstrated by the viral anime film, the convergence of pop culture and actual events highlights the various ways that important moments are shared and understood among media and cultures.
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