Former U.S. President Trump was shot during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of Saturday, July 13, 2024. The bullet grazed his right ear, causing blood to splatter on his face.
Immediately, Secret Service personnel evacuated Trump and transported him to the hospital. As he left, Trump raised his fist high.
On that day, thousands of people attended Trump’s campaign rally in Butler. An eyewitness told a reporter that they saw the shooter “climbing on the roof.” Another spectator expressed feeling “angry, sad, shocked.”
Greg Smith was present at the scene of the shooting. Smith, the owner of Brenckle’s Farms and Greenhouses in Butler County, was there with his wife, Stephanie Costlow, and other family members.
According to Smith, they noticed a person with a rifle climbing on the roof of a light-colored house across the street. They alerted the Secret Service to the situation and pointed out the individual with the gun on the roof.
Smith described how the police seemed unaware of the situation and the person on the roof eventually fired shots, causing chaos as the crowd scattered.
Smith condemned the shooting, stating that such acts should not happen in the United States. He emphasized that political differences should not lead to violence.
Bill Bailey, another witness, recalled hearing about seven gunshots and witnessing people fleeing in panic. He expressed feeling extreme discomfort and fear during the incident.
Pam Althof, who had a booth at the rally, described being in shock upon hearing the gunshots and seeing the chaos unfold. She expressed anger, sadness, and shock over the violence. Althof questioned the motivations behind the attack and condemned the actions of the shooter.
Heather Pugh recounted how she and others had passed through security checks and were near the stage when the gunfire erupted. The incident disrupted their plans to capture photos of the former president.
Pugh lamented the violence, stating that such actions were not reflective of America’s values. She expressed support for Trump, emphasizing his fight against corruption in the country.
Despite the harrowing experience, witnesses and attendees at the rally were shaken but determined to stand against such acts of violence. The incident underscored the need for unity and non-violent means to address political differences and preserve democratic principles.