UFC CEO Dana White reacts to apparent gunshots at Donald Trump rally: 'I am absolutely sick to my stomach'

UFC CEO Dana White, a close friend of former U.S. president Donald Trump, expressed his concern for the politician after an apparent shooting incident at a rally Saturday.

Trump was rushed off stage in Butler, Penn., after apparent gunshots while he was speaking to his supporters. After the first sound, the former president reached for his right ear before ducking down as the Secret Service rushed to protect him. A moment later, as he rose to his feet, Trump raised his fist in the air as he was taken off stage and placed in a vehicle to be removed from the site.

White often credits Trump as an integral part of the UFC’s success in tough moments for the promotion and has recently attended several pay-per-view events where he is featured alongside the promotion’s boss for special walkouts to his cageside seat.

After learning of the incident, White expressed his concern for the former president in a lengthy message on Instagram:

“I’m on a plane right now flying to Italy and my phone has been blowing up with text messages from people informing me @realdonaldtrump was shot,” White wrote. “I am absolutely SICK to my stomach and in complete shock. I still don’t know how bad it is or if he’s ok. But @mickmaynard2 just sent me this picture and I’m praying President Trump is 100% healthy.

“This image perfectly reflects EXACTLY the man I know Donald Trump to be. He is the toughest, most resilient, AMERICAN BAD ASS on this planet. I hope the weak coward that shot him gets what he deserves, and I can’t WAIT to stand up on stage with him on Thursday and introduce him at the Republican National Convention and tell the WORLD exactly the character of the friend and man I KNOW!!”

White is set to speak at next week’s Republican National Convention as the final speaker before Trump’s nomination acceptance. White has spoken twice before at the RNC in support of Trump, and appears even more energized to deliver his message following Saturday’s incident.

Trump has been confirmed to be “fine” after the shooting, however, a person at the rally was killed and another is in serious condition. The Butler County District attorney told reporters the suspected shooter is dead.