"Can't believe what I saw"- Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian decries political violence following attempted assassination of Donald Trump

Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian has given his thoughts following an apparent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump that left him with a ear injury. The incident occurred during one of his rallies in Butler, Pennsylvania.

On July 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump was addressing a fervent crowd when an unidentified gunman opened fire. The assailant's shots struck the upper part of Trump's right ear. Immediately after the incident, the Secret Service agents rushed to shield the former president and escort him to safety.

Despite the unrest, the 78-year-old remained defiant, pumping his fist in the air as he was led away, much to the crowd's roaring approval. The attack eventually resulted in the deaths of the gunman and a spectator, while two others suffered injuries.

This shocking event has drawn responses from various public figures, including Serena Williams' husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Known for his outspoken nature and advocacy for social issues, Ohanian took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay and denounce the violent act, writing:

"Still can't believe what I saw. Thankfully, we didn't have another US President/Presidential-Candidate assassination, but this was too close. I'm so sorry for the victims + their families — there's no justification for political violence."

The US Secret Service confirmed that Trump is safe and has been discharged from the hospital, with protective measures in place.

"During former President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 13 at around 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue," it said in an official statement by Secret Service Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

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Serena Williams once played a game of tennis with former US President Donald Trump

Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open

Serena Williams played tennis with Donald Trump in 2015, when he invited the tennis legend to hit the ceremonial first serve on the court during the inauguration of his tennis center at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

Williams delivered the initial serve to Trump, followed by a rally where the latter surprisingly won a point.

Serena Williams once said she wouldn't mind if then-US President Trump watched her at Wimbledon. In 2018, during Trump's UK visit, there were rumors he might attend Wimbledon due to his love for tennis, though it wasn't planned.

"I feel like he has the right to do whatever he wants to do. If he wants to come to a Wimbledon final, he has that right. I hope I'll be there. I still have a lot of matches to win. For me, I can't even think that far. I'm just thinking one at a time," Williams said in a post-match press conference.

Donald Trump previously attended some of Serena Williams' US Open fixtures in 2001, 2008 and 2015.