Crossword Genius

Two idiots initiating one state shooting, perhaps (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assassination

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'two' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'idiots initiating one state shooting perhaps' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is found within the answer.
'state' could be 'nation' (both can mean a country) and 'nation' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for assassination that I've seen before include "execution" , "Ordered killing" , "Political killing" , "Merciful, lenient" , "Murder of a public figure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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