Trump and Clinton's Reactions to the New York Explosion

The arrest of an Afghan-American suspect in connection with the bombings on Saturday in New York and New Jersey occurred just weeks before the U.S. presidential election. Each of the main candidates has criticized the other's approach to national security, and the explosions have once again drawn attention to the political campaigns in America. Ahmad Khan Rahimi, the arrested suspect, is linked to two explosions, one in New Jersey and another hours later in New York. Initial reports indicated that the explosive device was similar to what was used in the Boston terrorist attack. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties, have expressed differing views on U.S. national security, how to deal with terrorist threats, and other issues such as refugees and immigration from Muslim countries in the months leading up to the November 8 election. Both candidates assert that the other's election would harm U.S. national security. Following the New York and New Jersey explosions, Clinton stated, 'This threat [of terrorism] is serious, but our resolve [to eliminate it] is also serious.' The Democratic candidate urged citizens to show 'courage and vigilance' and to avoid demonizing Muslims or Americans of foreign descent. On the other hand, Donald Trump has once again attempted to suggest that the recent attacks, which left nearly 40 injured, are the result of the policies of Barack Obama, the U.S. President, and Hillary Clinton, who was once his Secretary of State. Trump stated on Fox News, 'Our country has become weak. We allow thousands and tens of thousands of people to enter the country. As I have said before, this process must be stopped.' He later emphasized during a campaign speech in Florida that 'these attacks and similar ones happen because we have a very open immigration system.' Trump is a staunch opponent of U.S. immigration policies, and some of his previously stated views, such as building a wall on the Mexican border, banning Muslims from entering, and deporting millions of illegal immigrants, have been controversial and faced criticism even within the Republican Party. Clinton, in her speech, stated, 'The rhetoric we have heard from Donald Trump has been co-opted by terrorists, especially ISIS.' According to the Democratic candidate, such statements are utilized by extremist groups that want to portray the situation as a 'war against Islam.' In the events of the past weekend, in addition to the two explosions, a knife attack occurred at a shopping mall, carried out by a 22-year-old Somali-American, leaving eight injured. He was also killed at the scene by police gunfire, which was not in service at the time of the incident. Reports indicate that the Islamic State referred to this individual as their 'soldier.' The recent attacks occurred just a week before the first presidential debate between Trump and Clinton. Polls indicate that it is difficult to predict the impact of the attacks on public opinion, and they may not lead to a sudden change in voter attitudes.