Obama Faced Repeated Threats. Why Have Many Faded From Memory?
Barack Obama faced at least 11 assassination-related threats during his presidency from 2009 to 2017, including plots involving firearms, biological agents, and militia activity. Despite the seriousness of these incidents, they have largely faded from public memory compared to more recent threats against Donald Trump. Experts suggest that differences in media coverage, public visibility, and political culture help explain the disparity in how such threats are remembered.
- ▪Obama faced at least 11 assassination-related security threats during his presidency from 2009 to 2017.
- ▪Incidents included a White House shooting, ricin-laced letters, and plots by militia groups and individuals.
- ▪Many of these threats were investigated and prosecuted by U.S. federal authorities, including the FBI and DOJ.
- ▪Unlike threats against Trump, Obama-era incidents received less sustained media attention and public recall.
- ▪Some plots involved biological weapons, radiation devices, and explosives targeting Obama and government institutions.
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By Soo KimLife and Trends ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.During his eight years in office, former President Barack Obama faced nearly a dozen assassination-related incidents that, in large part, have nearly faded from memory.Though many of these incidents were reported at the time, they did not leave the same enduring cultural or media impact as similar attempts on President Donald Trump.On April 25, a gunman breached security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and opened fire, forcing the Secret Service to evacuate Trump and senior members of his Cabinet in what appeared to be a possible assassination attempt.
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