Fans erupted into chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” during George Strait’s performance at Ford Field on Saturday night, as the country music icon paid tribute to law enforcement with his song “The Weight of the Badge” from his 2019 album “Honky Tonk Time Machine.” The moment unfolded shortly after news broke of an apparent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally earlier that day.
Acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion, the 72-year-old singer took a moment on stage to express gratitude to law enforcement officers for their dedicated service. “We appreciate you very much,” Strait remarked, alluding to the day’s events, prompting an enthusiastic response from the audience. He paused briefly, allowing the sentiment to resonate throughout the venue.
Throughout the evening, news of the shooting circulated among concertgoers, with fans sharing updates on their phones leading up to Chris Stapleton’s opening performance. Though Strait did not directly mention Trump by name, his performance of “The Weight of the Badge” concluded with a poignant gesture: he placed his hand over his heart as images of Bradley Reckling, the recently fallen Oakland County deputy, appeared on the stage’s video screens.
Strait’s tribute underscored the concert’s emotional resonance, uniting fans in appreciation for law enforcement amidst a backdrop of national events.
