NEW YORK — Outrage erupted this week after a turbulent comedy set at Madison Square Garden left attendees, particularly military veterans, rattled in more ways than one. 

The event, part of former President Donald Trump’s weekend rally, quickly spiraled when a comedian took the stage and launched what has been widely referred to as a “verbal airstrike” targeting Puerto Ricans, Black Americans, and Democratic leaders.

“I swear to god I thought I was doing route clearance in Helmand province again,” said Robert Hayes, an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran from Queens who attended the event. “I’ve been through some rough nights and seen my fair share of shit, but I have never seen a bombing that catastrophic before.” 

Hayes, who served multiple tours overseas, reported vivid flashbacks after the night’s performance, describing the onslaught of offensive jibes as “comedic IEDs.”