Trump mocks protester and thanks audience member after heckler ejected from rally
‘That guy, he’s going home to his parents now. He’s going to be in big trouble,’ president said, mocking protester
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump praised a supporter who confronted a protester at a rally in battleground Pennsylvania, saying the heckler is “going home to his parents” to get “in trouble” while the loyalist who shut him down is “the kind of guy I want working for me.”
As the heckler was being isolated and presumably escorted out, the president smirked and the large Middletown, Pennsylvania, crowd loudly chanted, “USA! USA!”
The president trails Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in the Keystone State by 4.3 per cent, according to an average of polls tabulated by RealClearPolitics. But Mr Trump and his campaign aides say their polling, like in 2016, shows a far closer race there.
Mr Trump had not been on stage but for a few minutes when the fracas broke out.
Analysis: Why Trump was never going to nominate a Cuban-American woman for the Supreme Court
Trump nominates anti-abortion conservative Amy Coney Barrett to replace feminist icon RBG on Supreme Court
Thousands march in Washington to pray and show Trump support
How Trump, Biden are preparing for first presidential debate
He was lauding his third Supreme Court nominee, federal Judge Amy Coney Barrett, when the crowd began yelling and pointing to his left.
Mr Trump watched the apparent silencing of his critic before sending the audience into loud cheers with his reaction.
“That guy, he’s going home to his parents now. He’s going to be in big trouble," Mr Trump said with a chuckle.
“He just opened his mouth and we had that gentleman in the beautiful blue,” he said, referring to US police being associated with that colour.
“Are you in law enforcement?” Mr Trump said to the silencer, before mocking the heckler: “He hadn’t gotten the first word out.”
The president revelled in his supporter stepping in.
“That’s the kind of guy I want working for me,” Mr Trump said to cheers.
“That’s called natural instinct,” he said as it started to rain. "Some people have it but most people don't.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments