A member of the US fencing team knelt on the podium during the national anthem and medal ceremony Friday at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
Race Imboden, who is an Olympic medalist and part of the men’s foil team that won gold at the Pan American Games clarified on Twitter that what he demonstrated was because of “racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate.”
and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.
I chose to sacrifie my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019
Imboden was part of the American team that won gold in team foil with Gerek Meinhardt and Nick Itkin. His two teammates stood as the national anthem played.
His demonstration happened amid a larger national discussion on issues that include gun control, which came in the wake of recent shooting rampages in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.
Amid these discussions people have noted how President Donald Trump’s remarks over immigrants fueled the suspect in the El Paso shooting, who targeted “Mexicans”.
Source : Various