Editorial 16.09.24
Many of Monday’s newspaper front pages lead on an apparent assassination of Donald Trump. The attempt on the former president’s life took place near his Florida golf club on Sunday – the second assassination attempt in a few m months. Trump announced that he is “safe and well” and has vowed to “never surrender.”
Away from US politics, domestic stories make up the rest of the UK front pages, with several reports covering the ongoing backlash over the cutting of the winter fuel payments. There are also reports claiming Keir Starmer has his eyes set on an Italy-style migration deal to tackle the small boats crisis.
Monday’s papers have a splash of showbiz news – including birthday tributes to Prince Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday, and Monday’s back pages are dominated by the latest from the Premier League.
‘Assassination attempt on Donald Trump’
‘Targeted again’ says The Times – which notes it’s the second attempt on his life in a matter of months.
The Times shares comments posted by the Donald Trump campaign in which he is “safe and well” and that he will “never surrender.” The paper says “targeted again” noting the FBI has described it as an assassination attempt.
‘Trump’s security ramped up’ following the first attempt says the Daily Telegraph.
The Telegraph says Trump was targetted on his golf course and the would-be-shooter was about 300 yards away from the former president. The paper says Trump’s security had been “ramped up” after the first assassination attempt – which saw a bullet graze his ear – at a rally in July.
‘US agents opened fire after seeing man in bush,’ the Daily Express said.
Daily Express says Trump was rushed to safety after agents shot at the ‘would-be assassin’. “US Secret Service agents opened fire after seeing a person with a firearm near Donald Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while the Republican presidential candidate was golfing Sunday,” the paper writes.
‘Trump heard “pop pop” whilst playing fifth hole,’ the Daily Mirror says.
The Daily Mirror picks up on comments from Fox News presenter Sean Hannity who said he spoke to Trump shortly after the incident. He said Trump had heard a “pop pop” while playing the fifth hole on his golf course in Florida before he was rushed to safety.
‘Starmer to meet Italian PM’
‘PM seeks lessons from Italy as more die in Channel,’ says The Times.
The Times looks ahead to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with the Italian PM Georgia Meloni. The paper says Starmer will be trying to “learn lessons” for Italy’s “crackdown on illegal migration.”
‘Labour backbenchers concerned,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian says Labour backbenchers are concerned and critical of Meloni’s approach to illegal migration. The paper quotes the Refugee Council and Amnesty International who are calling on the prime minister to avoid “gimmicks”.
‘Recent deaths adds poignancy to meeting,’ is the i’s view.
The i newspaper also leads on the story. The paper says the deaths of eight people trying to cross the Channel yesterday morning adds “poignancy to the leaders’ meeting”.
‘Royal olive branch’
Several newspapers note the royal family publicly wished Prince Harry a happy birthday – the first time in three years.
The Sun says “Peace of Cake. The Daily Mirror calls it an “olive branch”, The Times says the messages hint at “the possibility of a return to civil relations” and The Metro says the gesture was “a sign their royal rift could be healing”.
