Trump praises South Carolina rallygoer who appeared to punch protester: ‘Man, I loved that’

PENDLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA: President Donald Trump praised a rally attendee who appeared to punch a protester during his campaign event at Clemson University in South Carolina on Wednesday, October 21, as security personnel removed multiple demonstrators from the venue. 

Reacting to the apparent attack from the stage, the 80-year-old called the incident “great” and compared the attendee to former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, who was also present. The rally was held in support of Republican Senator Darline Graham as she campaigns for a full six-year term in the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

Trump cheers for rally attendee and compares him to Evander Holyfield

During the South Carolina rally, Trump was interrupted repeatedly by hecklers, with a pool report recording at least nine disruptions. Security personnel escorted several protesters out of the arena as members of the audience chanted “USA.”

During one incident, a rally attendee followed a demonstrator being removed from the venue and appeared to strike the protester on the head. Police moved in to restrain the supporter while the protester was escorted out.

Trump reacted to the scene from the stage, saying, “That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that,” before asking, “Is everybody okay?”

The president then asked the crowd, “Who's the guy that threw that punch?” and compared the attendee to Holyfield, a former professional boxer who attended the rally in support of Trump and Darline.

"You gotta give them credit. It takes courage to do that at a Trump rally,” Trump said, adding, “He got whacked.”

The president had already complained about repeated interruptions during his remarks and described disruptors as “paid protesters,” a characterization he has used at other campaign events. He also claimed that many of the demonstrators had travelled from outside South Carolina, saying, “It's all paid for. They're a bunch of fakers. They're terrible people.”

The rally came amid an intensified series of campaign appearances by Trump ahead of the midterm elections, in which Republicans are seeking to retain control of both chambers of Congress.

Trump campaigns for Darline Graham amid controversy over remarks about rival

Trump travelled to South Carolina to support Darline, who was elected to her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat in a special election following his death in July from a heart condition. She is now seeking a full six-year term against Democratic challenger Annie Andrews.

During the campaign stop, Trump also referred to Andrews using the derogatory phrase “tranny Annie,” targeting her position on gender-affirming care. However, Andrews is not transgender. Trump has used the same slur against her previously, drawing criticism over the remarks.

Andrews, a physician by training, has said that she does not support gender-affirming surgery for minors or transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. Earlier this month, the Democrat responded to the controversy by focusing on the concerns of voters, saying, "If you care more about your bills than the politics in Washington, this campaign is for you.”