There are only a few rare times when the MMA community comes together on a singular cause. Republican Nominee Donald Trump has been one such polarizing cause over the years. Former U.S. President Trump was in Butler, Pennsylvania, in one of his signature Republican rallies. However, all hell broke loose with an assassination attempt on the ex-POTUS!
A gunshot rang out as Donald Trump took the stage to address the crowd. The former POTUS was seemingly struck by something, crouching and descending to the floor. Secret Service and security entourage quickly rushed him off the stage; the 77-year-old from Queen triumphantly shot his fist up in the air as the commotion died down a little.
An incident occurred the evening of July 13 at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, …The Secret Service has implemented protective measures and the former President is safe. This is now an active Secret Service investigation and further information will be released when available.
Anthony Guglielmi, US Secret Service chief of communications (per CNN; Butler, Pa.); H/T: SBNation Network
Bloody from his ear or nose, there’s ongoing speculation as to the nature of the hurt. Some media outlets even grasped that it was the more blunt force and a sound shockwave. Butler County DA Richard Goldinger told media scrum that the shooter was apprehended and KIA. This happened mere days before UFC CEO Dana White‘s speech at the GOP convention, ahead of Trump accepting the nomination.
White was to take center stage and introduce Trump during the RNC, July 15-18, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the years, Trump has attended multiple UFC pay-per-view events as a special guest to the promotion. He is popular among quite a few on the roster. As such, the matter has hence gone quite viral.
MMA Pros react to Donald Trump’s assassination attempt
Donald Trump has long maintained the rhetoric of being a fighter himself. Hence, while the symbolism has come under fire for allegedly accessorizing a premier sports promotion to his cause, he garners much support. Trump is indeed popular with fighters. Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, Henry Cejudo and even Sean Strickland. He had been all praises for them as they have been too.
UFC/MMA fighters pitch in on Donald Trump rally shooting (Source: twitter.com › @CNN/(@cnnbrk) / X/ nypost.com)Trump was recently indicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a 2016 hush payment worth $130K. However, White and Co. advocated their utmost support. Even boxer Ryan Garcia had pitched in. Hence, it is no surprise the combat community would take notice. Here are a few reactions it has drawn in:
Was just at the Trump Rally in Butler, PA, and there was an attempted assassination on Trump.
— Dalton Rosta (@DaltonRosta) July 13, 2024
Sooooo now I’m convinced that Trump is actually a good guy if they’re trying that shit
— U R I A H H A L L (@UriahHallMMA) July 13, 2024
Trump just won the election. Game over. I’m not a fan but I’ll put serious fucking respect on his name after standing up pumping his fists and screaming to fight
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) July 13, 2024
If it isn’t apparent enough who God wants to win
When you try and kill God’s angels and saviors of the world it just makes them bigger
Good beats evil every time #Trump2024
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) July 13, 2024
Doesn’t matter what side of the political fence you’re on, this is major foul play! I heard they put the shooter down? Waiting for more updates. A fair fight for the office is better than someone trying to take the oppositions life. https://t.co/ncLId8w0xL
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 13, 2024
God loves this man! I’m happy that President Trump is ok. The left knows no bounds! They say they are the non violent ones. They will stop at nothing! Make sure you take screen shots of any leftist celebrating what happened today. pic.twitter.com/hL16Zuxzy2
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) July 13, 2024
THIS ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT WAS NOT ONLY AGAINST TRUMP!!! WAS AGAINST DEMOCRACY!!! NOW MORE THAN EVER ITS EASY TO SEE THERES BAD AND GOOD!!! CHOOSE YOUR SIDE!!!
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) July 13, 2024
Butler, PA is a tiny town in Pennsylvania btw. I did a photoshoot in Cabot, PA with a sponsor and stopped by the boys and girls club in Butler to speak to some kids. Haven’t been there since. Just crazy.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 14, 2024
Many of them lauded Trump for recovering, maintaining his calm, and touting viral imagery in the aftermath. After that, some even billed him “An utter sav*ge” for throwing shots up in the air and instigating to “fight” just after the attack.
ESPN/ESPN+ broadcasts from inside Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, saw Evan Elder notch a win at UFC Denver’s pay-per-view event. Consequently, soon after, he saluted him with a “Long Live Trump” after the win. All in all, the assassination attempt aimed at Donald Trump and gunshot wound has gone viral.
