Sports world reacts to shooting which injured President Donald Trump at rally
News that former president Donald Trump was apparently injured after a shooting during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening spread across the country — and world — rapidly. And reactions, including those in and around the world of sports, were plentiful.
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.
In light of the news, a handful of notable sports figures chimed in, ranging from a former NFL quarterback to a popular national radio host.
“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.
Another Heisman-winning quarterback joined in wishing the former president well, as former USC star Matt Leinart added his own remarks.
“Wild wild times right now. Damn. Glad [Donald Trump] is ok,” Leinart said.
NASCAR driver and Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski added his own perspective, urging Americans to recognize the fragility of the moment.
“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.”
UFC star Conor McGregor also added his own show of support for Trump, who himself is known to be a keen fan of combat sports.
DeChambeau, Griffin and Eisen are not the lone 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.