I AM sure councillor Laura Benson, from Redcar, does not mean what she rashly posted on social media about hoping Donald Trump “is assassinated”.

Love him or loathe him, Donald Trump has been elected leader of the world’s premier democracy and should only be removed from office by constitutional means.

No one should tempt providence on the subject of presidential assassinations because, in the history of the United States, there have been assassination attempts on at least a third of incumbents, with four having been successful.

Sitting presidents Abraham Lincoln, James A Garfield, William McKinley and John F Kennedy all died at the hand of the assassin, whist Ronald Regan was lucky to survive.

In each case, the president was gunned down.

Unfortunately, America is a violent country with homicide rates far exceeding those of the UK. The unfortunate second amendment to the US constitution, guaranteeing “the right to bear arms”, means guns are everywhere.

It is therefore unsurprising that so many presidents have been the victims of shooters.

In contrast, just one British Prime Minister, Spencer Perceval, has been shot dead.

Donald Trump is a champion of the gun lobby.

But, by supporting guns, is he putting his own life at greater risk?

Steve Kay, Redcar & Cleveland councillor