After an incident at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump sustained injuries, a UFC fighter used his victory moment to express support for Trump amidst the reported assassination attempt.
According to security officials, the assailant fired shots from an elevated position outside the rally venue before being apprehended by law enforcement after firing multiple rounds toward Trump, who was perceived to have been struck in the ear but swiftly resumed engaging with the crowd, rallying them with a call to action. Evan Elder, a promising UFC athlete, secured a submission victory over Darrius Flowers during the preliminary card on Saturday. Elder seized the opportunity after his win to vocalize his backing for Trump, saying, “I heard they tried to harm Trump. Glad he’s okay. Long live Trump! Trump 2024!” His statement garnered enthusiastic applause from onlookers.
The relationship between Trump and UFC President Dana White, noted for his appearances at Trump rallies, underscores their longstanding friendship. White’s scheduled appearance at the upcoming Republican National Convention, coinciding with Trump’s planned address, highlights the significance of the event following Saturday’s incident, which remains under investigation as authorities continue to uncover details about the perpetrator and their motives.
In a statement posted on Truth Social shortly after the incident, Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response, recounting the moment he realized he had been wounded by a bullet that grazed his right ear. Speculation arose that Trump might attend the event later in the evening, potentially leveraging the day’s events to bolster support.