A disturbance disrupted the peace outside the stadium, causing confusion among the spectators. This incident turned out to be a thwarted terrorist attack, fortunately prevented from entering the stadium. Alejandro Bedoya was present in Nantes, France in 2015 during this event.
Bedoya found himself deeply troubled by the gun violence incidents in Dayton, Ohio and at a Walmart in El Paso. He was particularly appalled by the El Paso shooter’s targeting of Latino shoppers at a Walmart frequented by the Latino community. This individual, driven by extreme hostility towards Hispanic families, was linked to far-right ideologies associated with the Trump administration.
Motivated by his paternal instinct and his leadership as team captain, Bedoya felt compelled to speak out against gun violence. After scoring a goal against DC United early in the game, Bedoya seized the moment by picking up the microphone and delivering a powerful message:
“Hey Congress, do something now! End gun violence! Let’s go!”
One voice can spark a movement. Bedoya’s impassioned plea resonated with millions of viewers during the game, catching even him off guard.
Having witnessed mass shootings in Norway during his wife’s upbringing, and deeply affected by the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018 near his hometown, Bedoya has been no stranger to the devastating impact of gun violence.
Bedoya’s advocacy is not an attack on gun ownership but a call to safeguard his children and society from the horrors of gun violence. In recognition of his courageous stance, Bedoya was honored as Major League Soccer’s Player of the Week.
To explore more stories of athletes championing social justice, don’t miss this piece on Megan Rapinoe!
