Cain Velasquez Just Got 5 Years for Shooting at His Son’s Alleged Abuser. Now His Fans Want Trump to Intervene

Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion once hailed as a Mexican American sports icon, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to a 2022 incident where he opened fire during a high-speed chase targeting a man accused of molesting his 4-year-old son. The intended target, Harry Goularte, was not struck, but Goularte’s stepfather was injured during the incident.

The sentencing has ignited a firestorm of emotion from fans, fighters, and advocates who see Velasquez not as a criminal—but as a father pushed beyond his limits. Many believe the punishment is unjust, especially considering the context. The phrase “any father would’ve done the same” has become a rallying cry across social media platforms. Supporters have been vocal in demanding leniency and clemency, and now, some are calling on none other than former President Donald Trump to intervene.

Velasquez’s case has stirred debate about the limits of vigilante justice. In a legal system where Goularte had been released without bail despite the disturbing allegations, many view Cain’s actions not as reckless, but as reactive—fueled by a father’s anguish and the perceived failure of the system to protect the most vulnerable.

Still, prosecutors argued that Velasquez endangered the public by opening fire in broad daylight in a populated area. The court seemed to agree. The judge handed down a sentence of five years, with the possibility of probation after serving a portion of it behind bars.

In a twist that reflects the politically charged landscape of modern America, Velasquez’s supporters are now urging Donald Trump to step in. On X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, hashtags like #FreeCain and #TrumpHelpCain have started gaining traction.

Why Trump? Some see him as a wildcard—someone unafraid to take bold, controversial stances. His past pardons of high-profile, divisive figures have added to the belief that he might be willing to weigh in on Velasquez’s case, especially if it becomes a cultural lightning rod. Others see Trump’s involvement as a symbolic gesture of standing up against what they view as a broken system that fails to deliver real justice for victims.

Cain Velasquez may no longer be stepping into the Octagon, but his battle is far from over. Whether his sentence is reduced or a political figure actually takes up his cause remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—this case has struck a deep nerve across the country, touching on themes of justice, parental instinct, and systemic failure.

As the dust settles, the nation is left grappling with uncomfortable questions: What would you do if it were your child? And when the system doesn’t protect your family, is it ever justified to take matters into your own hands?