UFC CEO and President Dana White has reacted, quite strongly, to the apparent assassination attempt on former U.S. President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
On Saturday, at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump was speaking at the podium when shots caught on video rang out. Trump hit the ground, secret service members swarming him moments later. Moments later, a defiant Trump, bloodied, was seen pumping his fist in the air, urging followers to “fight!”
It appeared unclear as to whether Trump was hit by gunfire, or injured when he hit the dirt. However, in a post to his Truth Social platform, the presidential candidate wrote that “I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Multiple news reports have cited an unnamed shooter being killed, following an eyewitness account given to BBC News on scene. A report by NBC News cites witnesses on scene also stating that at least one spectator in the crowd was killed.
In the aftermath of the incident, Dana White, a close friend of Trump (who has appeared at numerous UFC events in recent years), released a statement via Instagram.
“I’m on a plane right now flying to Italy and my phone has been blowing up with text messages from people informing me Donald Trump was shot. I am absolutely SICK to my stomach and in complete shock. I still don’t know how bad it is or if he’s ok,” wrote White. “But Mick Maynard [UFC matchmaker] just sent me this picture and I’m praying President Trump is 100% healthy. This image perfectly reflects EXACTLY the man I know Donald Trump to be. He is the toughest, most resilient, AMERICAN BAD ASS on this planet.”
“I hope the weak coward that shot him gets what he deserves, and I can’t WAIT to stand up on stage with him on Thursday and introduce him at the Republican National Convention and tell the WORLD exactly the character of the friend and man I KNOW!!”
As noted in his statement, Dana White is expected to introduce Trump at the Republican National Convention next week. White did the same in both 2016 and 2020. Their relationship dates back to a time shortly after White and the Fertitta purchased the UFC. Struggling with regulation and finding a home for their product, Trump opened the door to his venues, a gesture White has not forgotten.
