In the wake of an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump on Saturday, stark differences in how acts of terrorism are labeled and perceived based on skin color in the US have once again come to the forefront.

Online discourse blew up following the incident, with a wide range of opinions and reactions. It was evident that many People of Color (POC) expressed relief that the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a white man rather than a POC.

All singing from the same hymn sheet. "Political violence" when it's a white non-Muslim and "terrorism" if it's a Muslim. Global conspiracy. pic.twitter.com/cdBRYO4LTj

— Mohammed Hijab (@mohammed_hijab) July 14, 2024

EXPOSED: As per standard definition, attack on life of former Prez #Trump is #Terrorism.

But it's WHITE man. Media dilutes--Suspect, Shooter.

Else, in minor cases, 'T' word used even when no shot fired.

Race, name, faith decide. Terrorist is termed 'madman' or 'disturbed'. pic.twitter.com/2JmqPjZhGc

— Shams Ur Rehman Alavi شمس (@indscribe) July 14, 2024

“Political violence” when the shooter is white, “terrorism” when they’re brown

— bald (@trustmeimhot1) July 15, 2024

"Terrorism" is called "Political Violence " when done by White Man.

— Aasim Iftekhar (@Aasimifte) July 15, 2024

political violence is the most used term on our timeline when it would have easily been terrorism if the shooter wasn't a white male.#Trump

— Zoya Rasul (@zoyarasul) July 14, 2024

Many said that the reason behind this is that if the shooter actually was a POC, the US would enter a resurgence of xenophobia, racism, and prejudice, much like post-9/11 America.

However, little do people realize that whether Trump’s assassin was a POC or white, POC will never win. White criminals will never face the same severity of consequences as POC criminals.

Historically, white perpetrators of mass violence are more likely to be treated as "lone wolves" or individuals suffering from mental health issues, resulting in different legal charges and potentially lighter sentences. 

In contrast, POC are more likely to face terrorism charges, which carry severe penalties and broader implications, including enhanced surveillance and investigative measures.

This reaction is reminiscent of the response to the Sandy Hook shooter, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who was also white.

With the Sandy Hook tragedy, the focus shifted to mental health issues rather than addressing the broader implications of gun violence and systemic issues tied to race. 

This consistent pattern reinforces the notion that when white individuals commit acts of violence, they are often viewed as isolated incidents tied to personal struggles rather than representative of a larger ideological threat.

Additionally, Brock Turner, the Stanford campus sexual assailant, serves as a glaring example of how white privilege impacts the American legal system and public perception

Despite being convicted of serious charges, including assault with intent to rape, Turner was sentenced to just six months in county jail.

Prosecutors recommended a six-year sentence, however, the judge opted for a lenient punishment, suggesting that a harsher sentence would have a “severe impact” on Turner’s life.

Additionally, POC criminals often have their mugshots widely circulated, Turner was frequently depicted through his polished yearbook photos, further emphasizing the privilege afforded to him.

In contrast, violence committed by Black, Muslim, or Middle Eastern individuals often prompts immediate condemnation and demands collective accountability from their communities. 

Black victims themselves are frequently vilified; their lives are scrutinized for any infraction that could justify the violence against them. For instance, the media portrayed Trayvon Martin's hoodie as partly responsible for his death, while Michael Brown's minor offenses were used to justify excessive force against him.

- Bias on television -

Additionally, the true crime community has previously pointed out a biased trend among biographical movies and television shows (biopics) surrounding the portrayal of white criminals versus POC criminals.

A disproportionate number of these biopics focus on white American criminals, often portraying them in a sympathetic light while largely overlooking individuals of color.

From the notorious tales of figures like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy, Hollywood tends to humanize these individuals, often providing intricate backstories that elicit viewer sympathy. 

These biopics delve into their troubled childhoods, personal struggles, and complex motivations, creating a connection between the audience and the criminal.

Conversely, when it comes to stories involving POC, the same narrative depth and humanity are frequently absent. 

Biopics about individuals such as O.J. Simpson, Pablo Escobar, and Richard Ramirez often focus on their crimes without exploring their backgrounds or the socioeconomic conditions that may have influenced their actions, as opposed to their white counterparts.

Therefore, regardless of whether Trump’s assassin was a POC or white, proper justice will never be served, the current US judicial system and mediasphere will more often than not favor the white man.