The massive American flag at the Returning to Butler Farm Showground was hard to miss on July 13, the day former President Donald Trump was set to speak. This significant rally occurred just days before a crucial running mate selection and the Republican National Convention.
A Routine Coverage Turns Tragic
As journalists who had been covering Trump’s third presidential run for over a year, we expected a typical rally in a crucial battleground state. Instead, the event ended in tragedy: a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump, resulting in the death of firefighter Corey Comparatore.
The Shock of Gunfire
Standing front and centre in the press area at 6 p.m., we noticed something was off when what sounded like firecrackers erupted to our left. Shooter Thomas Crooks had climbed onto an unprotected building outside the security perimeter and fired multiple shots.
A hydraulic lift holding a stack of speakers was struck, causing smoke to billow and the speakers to topple. In that moment, we took cover, instinctively pulling out our phones to document the chaos. Olivia recorded the panic of journalists and attendees, including the cries of frightened children and the desperate pleas for help for Comparatore.
Emergency Response Amidst Chaos
Jake spoke with Dr. James Sweetland, an emergency room physician who rushed to assist Comparatore. Sweetland described finding Comparatore “jammed between the benches” before attempting to save his life.
Blame and Aftermath
As Trump’s motorcade sped away from Butler, we were confronted with hostility from the crowd, with one individual blaming us for the tragedy. What was supposed to be a typical Trump rally had transformed into a horrific event.
Returning to Butler
Eighty-four days later, we both returned to Butler, following the same route from downtown Pittsburgh and parking in the same location. We faced similar heat in the press pen alongside other reporters who, like us, chose to confront their trauma.
Changes in the Setting
The stage was set up in the same location, with the same American flag looming over Trump. However, the atmosphere was markedly different. Tractor trailers obscured the building where Crooks fired his shots, and multiple sniper teams were strategically positioned throughout the rally site. The turnout was one of the largest we had seen at a Trump rally.
Lasting Impact on Journalists
Witnessing the events of July 13 fundamentally altered our sense of safety. During the rally, a moment of panic arose when the crowd shouted “medic” for a woman who fainted, triggering memories of the earlier chaos when attendees yelled for help for Comparatore. We were momentarily frozen in fear, haunted by the echoes of that traumatic day.
Completing Unfinished Business
Despite the pain of returning, we felt a sense of unfinished business. We had covered Trump’s first public appearance since Butler at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Still, we knew we had to return to Butler to fulfill our responsibilities: for ourselves, and for the country.
A Message of Unity
Unlike other speakers who echoed Trump’s call to “fight, fight, fight,” Dr. Sweetland, a former Democrat. Urged the crowd to find common ground with Democrats. He reminded the audience, “Democrats are like teenagers. You think they aren’t listening, but they are.”
Conclusion: A Changed Landscape
Eighty-four days later, the political race has evolved, and so have we, marked by the trauma of the past and a renewed commitment to our work.