On Saturday, Team USA Basketball head coach Steve Kerr condemned the assassination attempt on former President Trump as a "demoralizing day for our country." Kerr, who is known for his advocacy for gun control, expressed his dismay over the incident, highlighting the deep political divisions and gun culture prevalent in the United States.
Steve Kerr, head coach of Team USA Basketball and the Golden State Warriors, has denounced the assassination attempt on former President Trump as a "demoralizing day for our country." Speaking from Abu Dhabi, where the men's Olympic basketball team is preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Kerr lamented the incident, expressing his concern over the political division and gun culture that plague the United States.
Steve Kerr Breaks Silence on Trump Assassination Attempt: 'Demoralizing Day for Our Country'
"This is a time where we feel very proud to represent our country wearing USA on our chest, competing in the Olympics," Kerr said. "We've talked to the players about how important it is to show the best version of us as human beings to represent our country in a respectful, dignified manner. It makes you want to do that even more so, because this is really shameful for us to sit here and think about what happened and what's going on in our country."
Kerr's father, Malcolm, was assassinated in Beirut in 1984, and the experience has left a lasting impact on him. As a vocal advocate for gun control, Kerr has been critical of Trump's policies, particularly those related to gun ownership.
Steve Kerr Breaks Silence on Trump Assassination Attempt: 'Demoralizing Day for Our Country'
Trump claimed he was "shot by a bullet that pierced the upper part of [his] right ear" at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Videos from the event captured the sound of gunshots and Trump clutching his ear as Secret Service agents tackled him to the ground.
Secret Service personnel returned fire and killed the would-be assassin, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. One rally attendee was killed, and two others were injured.
Steve Kerr Breaks Silence on Trump Assassination Attempt: 'Demoralizing Day for Our Country'
"It's such a demoralizing day for our country, and it's yet another example of not only our political division but also gun culture," Kerr added. "A 20-year-old with an AR-15 trying to shoot the former president. It's hard to process everything, and it's scary to think about where this goes because of the issues that already exist in the country. So, this is a terrible day."
Kerr emphasized the importance of unity and respect, especially in the current political climate. "We want to represent our country well, and we want to do it in a way that makes us proud," he said. "And this is not how we want to be represented."
He expressed gratitude that Trump was not seriously injured but acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "Thank God Trump wasn't hit, but it's just so demoralizing in every which way," Kerr said.
Trump has indicated that he will proceed with his plans to travel to Milwaukee ahead of the start of the Republican National Convention.
Kerr's comments echo the concerns raised by many Americans about the increasing political polarization and the prevalence of gun violence in the United States. His voice as a prominent sports figure serves to amplify these concerns and highlights the urgent need for dialogue and action to address these pressing issues.
