The attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, sparked widespread reactions, particularly among professional fighters who took to social media to express their thoughts.
The incident occurred while Trump was delivering a speech, with gunshots prompting a swift response from Secret Service agents. Despite the scare, Trump’s campaign assured the public that he was unharmed and undergoing medical evaluation as a precaution.
Several fighters reacted with a mix of astonishment and support. Terrance McKinney humorously predicted the enduring impact of an iconic photo from the event, while Conor McGregor praised Trump’s resilience and dedication to public service despite his age and wealth. Demetrious Johnson expressed disbelief at the occurrence in the modern era, highlighting the shock felt by many at the news.
Tim Kennedy issued a call for unity against political violence, emphasizing the need for leaders and public figures to denounce such actions unequivocally.
Ben Askren expressed a lighter sentiment, anticipating Trump’s potential appearance at the Republican National Convention amidst the media attention surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, Josh Thomson and Chito Vera posed questions about political responses to the event, reflecting broader concerns about its implications.
Matt Brown and Cody Durden praised Trump’s reaction to the threat, admiring his defiant response and how it resonated with the crowd. Dana White, a close associate of Trump, conveyed deep concern and admiration for Trump’s toughness, echoing sentiments of resilience and strength shared by Colby Covington.
The incident stirred a range of emotions and responses from the fighting community, highlighting both admiration for Trump’s reaction and broader concerns about political violence in the country.