Trump’s Assassination Attempt and its Deeper Implications for the UHNW

7 min readJul 25, 2024

The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump shocked nations and individuals across the globe. Irrespective of your stance on politics or even political violence in the USA and the world at large, such events underline the constant threats those in the public eye face and the psychological toll that stress brings with it. UHNW individuals often attract immense public attention due to their wealth and influence, and this attention all too often manifests itself in dangerous ways whether through stalking, kidnapping for ransom or assassination attemps.

Trump Injured in Assassination Attempt at Campaign Rally — The New York Times (Source here)

At Paracelsus Recovery, we have treated numerous clients for the PTSD that comes with these kinds of traumatic events. Stalking and stalkers are an all too common reality for ultra-famous individuals, while kidnapping attempts are a far too common reality for ultra-wealthy individuals. Unfortunately, asssination attempts are now also increasing. Yet still, when we think of the lives of the ‘ultra-wealthy,’ we can only conjure up images of a ‘stress-free’ life despite how grossly incorrect this idea can be. Worse still, we often find ourselves punishing anyone who says otherwise. Success and fame can — of course, make some things in one’s life easier, but they make a lot of things much harder too. One of those things is our innate sense of safety, security and protection.

Ten Times an Ultra-Successful Individual’s Life was at Risk

1. Ronald Reagan (1981)

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. John Hinckley Junior fired six shots, which struck Reagan, his press secretary, Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy, and police officer Thomas Delahanty. One of the bullets punctured Reagan’s lung, leaving him critically injured. Hickley’s motive behind the attack was to become famous for impressing actress Jodie Foster. The court found him mentally unstable, and he was committed to a psychiatric institution.

Reagan survived an assassination attempt and it changed his presidency (source here)

2. Kim Kardashian (2016)

In 2016, Kim Kardashian was the victim of a high-profile kidnapping and robbery in Paris. Armed men broke into her private residence, tied her up, and held her at gunpoint while stealing millions of dollars worth of jewelry. The traumatic experience led Kardashian to reassess her public presence and personal security. She has since been more cautious about sharing her whereabouts and possessions on social media.

3. John D. Rockefeller (1914)

John D. Rockefeller is the founder of Standard Oil. Frank Holt was an anarchist who opposed his business practices and wealth. He attempted to kill Rockefeller by planting a bomb in his New York office. He was unsuccessful because the bomb was found before it could detonate. After this incident, Rockefeller never appeared in public without extensive security detail. Holt was arrested later when he bombed the US Capitol.

4. Ingvar Kamprad (1978)

Ingvar Kamprad is the founder of Ikea, now one of the biggest furniture chains in the world. He was shot during one of his store visits in Stockholm. He escaped the assassination thanks to his bodyguards. His assailant was never caught, but his motives were believed to be political.

5. Frank Sinatra Jr. (1963)

In 1963, Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped at gunpoint from his hotel room in Lake Tahoe. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $240,000, which Sinatra Sr. paid. After two days, Sinatra Jr. was released unharmed. The kidnappers were later caught and convicted. The incident had a profound impact on the Sinatra family and highlighted the risks faced by celebrities and their families.

Frank Sinatra Junior Kidnapping Story (Srouce here)

6. Steven Spielberg (1998)

In 1998, filmmaker Steven Spielberg was targeted in a kidnapping plot by Jonathan Norman. Norman was arrested near Spielberg’s home with a kit of duct tape, handcuffs, and a knife. Norman intended to kidnap and harm Spielberg, but was thwarted by security measures and law enforcement. Spielberg testified against Norman, who was subsequently convicted. The incident emphasized the need for heightened security for high-profile individuals.

7. Rinat Akhmetov (1998)

Rinat Akhmetov owns System Capital Management and was the wealthiest man in Ukraine then. He survived a bomb explosion near his office in Donetsk that killed several of his associates. The assailants were believed to be in a turf war between rival business factions.

8. Sir Richard Branson (2012)

Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group and escaped a strange assassination attempt by a former employee. He was caught when his notes were found by another staff member who alerted the authorities. The assassination plot involved detailed plans to kill Branson on Necker Island, which belonged to him. After this incident, Branson diligently increased his security detail.

9. Andy Warhol (1968)

In 1968, artist Andy Warhol survived an assassination attempt by Valerie Solanas, a radical feminist writer. Solanas shot Warhol at his studio, The Factory, in New York City, severely injuring him. Warhol underwent multiple surgeries and spent months recovering. The attack profoundly affected him physically and psychologically, influencing his later works and lifestyle.

She Shot Andy Warhol — Village Preservation (Srouce here)

10. JK Rowling (2005)

In 2005, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling faced a kidnapping threat when a group planned to abduct her daughter for ransom. The plot was foiled by police before it could be carried out. Rowling has always been very private about her family life, and this incident reinforced her need for discretion and security.

The Adversities of Affluence

Due to their wealth, UHNW individuals and families undergo unimaginable scrutiny, putting them perennially in the public eye. Some of them are idolised, and some face unmitigated jealousy and hatred, all of which lead to extreme stress, fear, and trauma. Even without a life-threathening experience, many manifest symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Kidnapping Syndrome.

Attempted Assassinations and After/Accompanying Trauma (PTSD)

Throughout history, UHNW individuals have been attacked for reasons best known to the perpetrators. Most of these assassinations are driven by jealousy, idolatry, hatred, obsessions, morbid interests in borrowed fame, etc. Such sudden attacks can trigger vulnerability, stress, fear and anxiety. It can be traumatic for not only those who experience it but also for those who witness it. It can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Kidnapping Syndrome, among a host of other mental disorders.

Understanding PTSD and Kidnapping Treatment among the UHNW

PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when an event (or number of events) is/are so terrifying, it overwhelms us and we cannot incorporate it into our understanding of ourselves, our lives and the world. As a result, we cannot process the event, which means we cannot ‘move on.’ While PTSD is generally associated with soldiers returning from combat who both experience and witness horrible tragedies, we now understand that it can occur in much less ‘obviously’ traumatic events. Anything that is unexpected, overwhelming and frightening can lead to PTSD — from car accidents to bullying, abuse, stalkers, losing one’s work, developing a condition, or even becoming famous overnight.

Throughout history, the prevalence of assassination attempts, kidnapping and stalker incidents within UHNW communities highlights the profound pressures and dangers faced by them on a daily basis. They underscore the need for heightened security and critical mental health measures for physical and psychological protection.

At Paracelsus Recovery, we believe that by understanding the psychological repercussions of violence and kidnapping targeted towards the UHNW individuals and families, we can work towards a society that is far more compassionate and supportive. When we recognise the immense stressors UHNW individuals face, we can stop idolising, other-ing and punishing them. In so doing, we can create a world that is more compassionate, equal and — crucially, safe.

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Paracelsus Recovery

At Paracelsus Recovery, our team of psychotherapists and specialists have extensive experience helping survivors of assissination attempts, kidnappings and stalkers heal from PTSD and C-PTSD. We can help you deal with the traumatic experience, recalibrate your brain’s fight or flight response and, if necessary, help you find healthy ways of dealing with the pain if you have been self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

We work exclusively with UHNW individuals whose mental health challenges often go unnoticed due to the misconception that financial security ensures mental stability. We have seen first-hand how experiences of kidnapping impact your sense of safety and wellbeing. In itself, the fear of abduction or stalking among UHNW individuals can trigger issues such as anxiety or depression. If you are struggling with these concerns, you are not alone.

We only treat one client at a time and provide the strictest confidentiality. Our international team of highly qualified professionals will be available to give you around-the-clock support, seven days a week. We recognise that the pandemic has been a difficult time for many UHNW people, and we are here to help.

To know more, please follow us on Twitter or contact us directly to info@paracelsus-recovery.com