Massachusetts

Trump could see support grow after assassination attempt, even in blue Massachusetts

Published

2 years ago

July 15, 2024

Press Room

Trump could see support grow after assassination attempt, even in blue Massachusetts

How will the assassination attempt on Trump affect polls in Massachusetts?

02:35

CAMBRIDGE – The image of Donald Trump with his fist in the air after an attempted assassination has already become iconic, even in some parts of traditionally blue Massachusetts.

“I thought he was tough when he stood up and he gave the little fist-pump afterwards,” Tom Fialkosky said Monday.

“Thank God he survived,” another voter in Billerica added.

Billerica is one of the few communities in greater Boston with a history of residents supporting Donald Trump.

“I just kind of feel bad that happened to him,” said Elizabeth Hill. “I was just glad he got up and he was OK.”

Political effect of assassination attempts

Presidential historians point to Ronald Reagan, who got a bump in political support after an assassination attempt on him in 1981.

“The wave of sympathy that Reagan received when he was recovering from his wounds from John Hinckley, created this political support that translated into major legislation supporting his conservative program,” said Boston University presidential historian Tom Whalen.

Democrats worried about Trump gaining support

New England voters on the Democratic side of the aisle worry the same kind of sympathy could translate to votes for Trump in four months.

“I think that people will feel more on his side. I think…he’ll definitely milk the situation,” Mabel Luther said.

Whalen said whether the event will be on the mind of voters in November remains to be seen. Former president Teddy Roosevelt was shot and survived while campaigning for a third term in 1912, but still lost the race.

“[Trump] is going to enjoy a short-term bump,” Whalen said.. “I don’t know if he’ll be able to sustain it given his extreme views … I think that’s kind of wishful thinking if you’re on the Trump side.”

Christina Hager

Christina Hager is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter with the I-Team at WBZ-TV News. She has spent more than two decades covering major breaking news events across the country, including extensive daily coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Massachusetts

Inside the Massachusetts courtroom where former students face a teacher charged with rape

Published

11 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Press Room

Inside the Massachusetts courtroom where former students face a teacher charged with rape

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The women said they were frightened, but they didn’t show it Wednesday in a Massachusetts courtroom as they watched the teacher who allegedly preyed on them when they were students at the posh Miss Hall’s School plead not guilty to rape.

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Massachusetts

Heavy police presence due to ‘ongoing incident’ in Tewksbury

Published

23 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Heavy police presence due to ‘ongoing incident’ in Tewksbury

There is a heavy police presence in a section of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon due to what authorities are describing only as an “ongoing incident.”

“There is currently a heavy police presence on Salem Road due to an ongoing incident,” Tewksbury police said in a social media post just before 1 p.m. “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible. Please allow emergency personnel the space they need to respond safely and efficiently”

No further details were released. Police said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Massachusetts

Wrong-way crash closes I-495 southbound in Chelmsford, 1 seriously injured – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2026

Press Room

Wrong-way crash closes I-495 southbound in Chelmsford, 1 seriously injured – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

CHELMSFORD, MASS. (WHDH) – A wrong-way driver crashed into another vehicle on I-495 in Chelmsford Tuesday night, shutting down the soundbound lanes in that area, according to Massachusetts State Police and The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

State police said Troopers from the Concord Barracks responded to a two-car crash on I-495 at the Hunt Road overpass shortly before 10 p.m. They said preliminary information indicates the crash happened as a result of a wrong-way driver striking a vehicle traveling in the correct direction.

Chelmsford Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and the driver was taken to the hospital by MedFlight. State police said they suffered life-threatening injuries.

MassDOT said the highway southbound is currently closed at exit 88 due to the crash, and is expected to remain closed for several hours.

Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes at this time.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

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