Brad Keselowski reacts to Saturday shooting at Donald Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania
A number of sports figures added their own commentary to the conversation in the aftermath of the shooting that injured former president Donald Trump during a rally on Saturday. NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski chimed into the conversation late on Saturday evening.
And Keselowski came with a message that attempted to rise above partisan politics, calling the ordeal “bad for democracy.” Keselowski also acknowledged the days events come at a particularly fragile moment for the United States.
“Regardless of political beliefs, this is bad for democracy,” Keselowski said. “We are living in fragile times as it seems our great nation is struggling. I’m praying tonight for peace and understanding. For my blue and red family and friends, for our sons and daughters, and beyond, may they be blessed to inherit a great nation that overcomes senseless violence.”
While the events of the apparent shooting are still unconfirmed, early reports indicate the alleged shooter fired multiple shots from a building outside the security perimeter. Trump appeared with a bloodied right ear amidst the chaos and is doing OK per a campaign announcement after he was taken to safety and for medical attention.
Two other members of the crowd were also shot, according to reports, and one is dead. The shooter has also reportedly been killed.
And Keselowski was not the only sports figure to speak on the issue.
“Violence deserves no place in this world. Praying for President Trump and his family. Wishing for a speedy recovery,” golfer Bryson DeChambeau said on social media.
ESPN talent and Heisman-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III also added his voice to the response online.
“I don’t care how much you love or hate President Donald Trump, now is not the time to play politics. Pray for him, his family and anyone else impacted by today’s shooting,” Griffin said.
And Rich Eisen, who hosts a popular sports talk show, chimed in, adding in plaudits for the Secret Service for the response.
“Thank you to the heroes of the Secret Service who threw themselves into what appeared to be a hail of bullets. Find whoever did this and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. None of this is OK. Praying for everyone there in Butler PA,” Eisen said.
DeChambeau, Griffin, Eisen and Keselowski are not the lone trio of sports voices to offer some remarks about the story, and likely won’t be the last as more details come out and critical details are confirmed and examined about an act of political violence unlike any the United States has seen for several decades.