US President Donald Trump praised a supporter after a protester appeared to be struck during a campaign rally at Clemson University in South Carolina on Wednesday, as several demonstrators were escorted from the event.
Trump reacted after security staff removed a protester and a rally attendee appeared to slap or punch the demonstrator on the head. The footage described in reports does not clearly capture the moment of impact. The attendee has not been publicly identified, and it was not immediately clear whether any arrest followed.
“That was great, man. Wow. Man, I loved that,” Trump said from the stage. He asked who had thrown the punch and compared the attendee to former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, who was at the rally. Trump also asked whether everyone was all right.
According to a pool report cited by The Guardian, the president was interrupted by hecklers at least nine times during the event. Security staff escorted multiple protesters from the arena as some people in the crowd chanted “USA”. The demonstrators’ interruptions and the apparent physical altercation became a prominent moment during the rally.
Trump was in South Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham, who is seeking a full six-year term after being appointed to fill the seat held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. She faces Democratic challenger Annie Andrews in the 3 November midterm election.
The incident comes amid a series of campaign appearances where protesters have interrupted Trump’s remarks. Trump has often described demonstrators at his events as paid protesters, though such claims should not be treated as established fact without supporting evidence. The rally footage and reporting reviewed do not establish the identity or motive of the person who appeared to strike the protester.
