Fox News co-host Pete Hegseth nearly maimed a marching band percussionist last Sunday in a segment that went largely unnoticed until the near-victim revealed the behind-the-scenes this weekend.
“I was hit by an axe while performing a drum solo live on National TV,” Jeff Prosperie of West Point’s Hellcats marching band said in a Facebook post Sunday, “words I never imagined saying! This happened last Sunday and I have been reluctant to post but starting to receive inquiries from concerned family and friends.”
“I am thankful to God that the double-sided blade only hit broadside on the outer elbow with significant impact and a couple of cuts as it fell along my wrist. It could have been much worse or fatal. Focusing on full physical and emotional recovery,” he added.
During a promotion of a segment celebrating Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s 240th birthday, Hegseth tried his hand at axe throwing. Unfortunately, he threw a bit too high, and the axe went over the target and flew directly into Prosperie, who was performing with his team opposite the target board.
Fox did not air footage of Prosperie getting smacked with the runaway axe. Video of the incident was captured by a bystander’s phone.
“The vid you see is edited showing the televised portion of the throw and then edited to a portion that was taken on someone’s phone of us being videoed. The part that was actually televised showed the overthrown axe and then segued to us for the drum solo bump, only showing me walking behind the section holding my arm. The actual part where the axe hit me was not televised,” the drummer added in a follow-up post on Facebook.
Prior to the taping of the segment, Prosperie said he was told by leadership that there would be no axe throwing.
“I think the anchor person went rogue and decided to throw it. He had only thrown it once before in practice for an upcoming segment and they told him to throw it with more force,” he said.
“Poor decision, obvious negligence, should not have happened, could have been avoided. When shooting or throwing, always know what is behind your target. Basic safety rule. I’m feeling blessed on Father’s Day with my 5 children, alive, and with all limbs.
(h/t Jim Swift)
