"It was definitely a little sketchy" - Vikings' TJ Hockenson blames election rhetoric for Donald Trump assassination attempt
The assassination attempt on former United States president Donald Trump has left many wondering how things got this bad. TJ Hockenson has pinpointed his culprit for the first assassination attempt on a US president in 43 years.
On July 13 during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed Donald Trump’s ear and he dropped to the ground. The shooter, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was killed soon after, but not before he killed one man and injured others. Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson gave his verdict on the entire situation.
Hockenson appeared on the "Bussin’ With The Boys" podcast on Tuesday, July 16, and dismissed any notions of this attempt being an inside job:
“I don't know that it was an inside job. I think it was definitely a little sketchy on how the whole thing happened.”
The two-time Pro Bowler said the rhetoric around elections and Donald Trump was the reason for the assassination attempt:
“But I think it’s kind of been a leadup over the last whatever 12 years since Obama got out of office. The last three elections have kind of been they talk about it as a ‘Do or Die’ thing and ...osomebody's going to take that real.”
“It's hard to continue the rhetoric of, ‘Oh, it's a Do or Die election,’ and assume that nobody's going to do something drastic, which is kind of crazy.” [00:09:32 - 00:10:25]
On Monday, Donald Trump appeared at the Republican National Convention to formally accept his nomination from his party. Trump had his injured ear in a bandage as he received thunderous applause from the attendees.
Donald Trump receives support from the NFL world after escaping assassination attempt
After the attempt on his life, NFL figures have shown their support for Donald Trump. Former wide receiver Antonio Brown took to X (previously Twitter) within hours of the assassination attempt.
"It’s Over - Trump 2024 #CTESPN," he posted.
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner said:
"Ladies & gentlemen....President Donald Trump."
Controversial Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker also made his stance clear after the incident.