Fact check: Did Donald Trump attend UFC Denver hours after getting shot at? Explaining the rumor about the former US president
The reported Donald Trump UFC Denver appearance just hours after he survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania turned out to be a fabrication. The former United States president did not turn up at the event as claimed by the rumors spreading across social media.
Throughout the UFC broadcast, Trump was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he was rushed to a local hospital in Butler. While his motorcade was later seen leaving the said hospital, its destination remains unknown. Despite his absence from UFC Denver, it appears to have initially been his plan to appear there following his rally.
Although he did not make the expected appearance, many in the MMA world reacted to the failed assassination attempt. UFC welterweight Evan Elder opened the UFC Denver card with a second-round submission of Darrius Flowers and punctuated his post-fight interview with a cry for support on Trump's behalf.
"Hey, I heard they just tried to whack my boy, Trump. I'm glad that man's okay. Long live Trump, let's go baby, Trump 2024."
Check out Evan Elder's message in support of Donald Trump:
Elder wasn't the only one to throw his support behind Trump, as the former United States president enjoys a tremendous amount of support from those in the UFC. The promotion's CEO, Dana White, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the assassination attempt, wishing his close friend well.
"I'm on a plane right now flying to Italy and my phone has been blowing up with text messages from people informing me @realdonaldtrump 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. But @mickmaynard2 just sent me this picture and I'm praying President Trump is 100% healthy."
Furthermore, White described Trump in glowing terms, claiming that the image of the latter raising his fist with a bloodied ear will immortalize his re-election campaign.
"This image perfectly reflects EXACTLY the man I know Donald Trump to be. He is the toughest, most resilient, AMERICAN BAD A** 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 mentioned in White's Instagram caption, he is scheduled to introduce Trump at the Republican National Convention on July 18.