Former NBA star Rex Chapman implored the media to focus their attention on covering Springfield, Ohio, instead of an apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course.
The city of Springfield became a political flashpoint last week over viral allegations that pets had been stolen and eaten, which authorities have vehemently denied. The allegations sparked a broader debate about the plight of Haitian immigrants since their arrival.
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Rex Chapman of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a game against the Dallas Mavericks in Phoenix on February 22, 1999. (Michael Chow-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Thousands of Haitians have arrived in Springfield since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and residents have pointed to an increase in crime, chaos and car accidents due to the massive influx of new residents. In a city of 58,000, roughly 20,000 Haitians have arrived, according to city officials.
On Sunday, a 58-year-old man was arrested and charged with pointing an AK-47 at Trump. Authorities said Secret Service agents shot Ryan Wesley Routh after seeing the barrel of his AK-47 pointed through a chain-link fence into a hole in front of where Trump was playing.
Authorities are treating the incident as an apparent assassination attempt on Trump.
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“Media please go to Springfield and cover the story that's happening there,” Chapman wrote on X. “Not the one that's happening at the golf course in Florida. We're watching.”
Chapman made it clear that he condemned the assassination attempt.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Friday, Sept. 13. (AP/Jae C. Hong)
“Political violence is bad,” he wrote in X. “Whether it's assassination attempts or candidates telling lies that inspire bomb threats against hospitals and primary schools.
“I can easily condemn an assassination attempt against Trump. Why couldn't I condemn bomb threats against schools and hospitals?”
Chapman was the eighth overall pick in the 1988 draft out of Kentucky. He was a member of the 1988-89 All-Rookie Team. He played in 666 games for four different teams.
Trump released a statement regarding the apparent second assassination attempt later on Sunday.
“There were shots fired near my house, but before the rumors start to get out of hand, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND OK!
“Nothing will stop me. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP.
Phoenix Suns guard Rex Chapman receives treatment on his leg after a practice at the Rolle Activity Center on the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, October 5, 1999. (Pete Scanlon-USA TODAY NETWORK)
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“I will always love you for supporting me.”
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