Former President Donald Trump’s mention during Tuesday’s presidential debate of the July attempt on his life has drawn significant backlash after moderators quickly shifted focus without addressing his remark.

Social media erupted with accusations of bias toward Kamala Harris and selective questioning as Trump’s comment was left unexplored by ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, as the Daily Mail reports.

Trump raised the topic of the shooting during a response about the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest, but the moderators chose not to follow up, leading to fierce reactions from both conservative commentators and the public.

The former president brought up the attempt on his life when asked about his role in the Capitol protests, stating matter-of-factly that he had been shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania.

The moderators, however, did not engage with this topic whatsoever. Instead, Muir interrupted Trump, saying, “We have a lot to get to,” before moving on to other subjects.

Criticism Grows Over Ignored Trump Shooting Comment

The lack of follow-up drew criticism from several quarters. Harris, who shared the debate stage with Trump, did not acknowledge his mention of the assassination attempt, a point that has fueled even more controversy. Trump’s reference to the shooting was overshadowed by the focus on issues like the Jan. 6 demonstrations and abortion, while questions about fracking and the economy were aimed at Harris.

Kylee Griswold, editorial director at The Federalist, strongly condemned the debate moderators for not pressing Harris on her past rhetoric against Trump or the Biden administration’s role in legal actions against him. In a widely circulated essay, Griswold questioned why the moderators failed to address whether the vice president’s statements might have contributed to the environment that led to the assassination attempt.

Griswold pointed out that, “Imagine refusing to ask the current vice president whether she regrets any of her hateful anti-Trump rhetoric and the Biden administration’s weaponization of the federal government against Trump that may have inspired an armed nutbag to fire at his head.”

Social Media Users Weigh in on Debate Moderation

The debate’s handling of the topic also raised concerns about media bias, as conservative commentators like Ben Shapiro were quick to express their frustration. Shapiro did not hold back, bluntly stating, “This is how you know they’re complete s**t,” further fueling the controversy surrounding the event’s moderation.

On social media, reactions were swift, with many pointing out that Harris seemingly avoided the issue altogether. Some users accused the moderators of silencing Trump when he raised the assassination attempt and criticized their selective fact-checking. While Trump faced fact-checks on topics such as abortion, immigration, and the Capitol riot, Harris was not questioned as rigorously on issues like the economy or fracking, leading to claims of media bias.

The moderators' decision to skip over Trump’s shooting claim also deepened divisions, as opinions on the debate’s fairness polarized across the political spectrum. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes praised the moderation of the debate, calling it balanced, while conservative voices were largely critical of the format and tone.

Polarized Reactions Highlight Media Bias Allegations

The debate did little to change these entrenched views. Trump, for his part, described the debate as his “best debate ever,” though he also expressed frustration with the moderation, particularly the lack of focus on the attempt on his life. His frustration seemed evident during the event itself, as he stated, “I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that [Democrats] say about me.” He went on to accuse the Democrats of being the “threat to democracy” while he was painted as the one posing the danger.

Despite his strong statements during the debate, Trump remained non-committal -- and ultimately declined -- when asked if he would participate in a second debate with Harris. While Harris indicated a willingness to debate again before the election, Trump remarked, “The reason you do a second debate is if you lose, and they lost … But I'll think about it.”

Debate Performance Splits Public Opinion

As with many political debates, public opinion was divided. A CNN snap poll conducted shortly after the event showed that 63% of viewers believed Harris had won the debate, with only 37% siding with Trump. This initial result stood in contrast to Trump’s own description of his performance.

While the debate covered several key issues, the exclusion of Trump’s assassination attempt remained a central talking point following the debate. For many, it symbolized a broader concern about media fairness, especially in a highly polarized political environment.

Future Debates Remain Uncertain Amid Controversy

The controversy surrounding this debate has left the door open for further disputes about how future debates will be handled. As the election approaches, it is uncertain whether Trump and Harris will face off again on the debate stage.

Both candidates remain in the spotlight, though their reactions to the debate couldn’t be more different. Trump continues to emphasize his past performance, while Harris appears focused on pushing her campaign’s key talking points.

In the end, the debate’s legacy may be less about what was said and more about what was left unsaid. For now, the assassination attempt on Trump remains an issue that has yet to be fully addressed, both by the media and by his political opponents.