The rally took place at the fairgrounds on Saturday evening, as thousands of supporters gathered to hear Trump deliver his speech.

As Trump addressed the crowd, he pointed to a chart highlighting a surge in illegal border crossings under President Joe Biden's administration. It was at this moment that shots rang out, causing panic and chaos among attendees. Trump instinctively clutched his ear as Secret Service agents swiftly moved toward him. The former president dropped to the ground while agents shouted for everyone to get down.

The rallygoers quickly followed suit, dropping to the grass and creating an eerie silence broken only by sporadic screams. Amidst the commotion, Trump stood up, receiving protection from the Secret Service agents who huddled around him. Blood was seen trickling from his ear, but he showed resilience, pumping his fist and mouthing the word "fight" before being ushered offstage and into a waiting black SUV.

Tragically, the local district attorney confirmed that both the shooter and one rallygoer had been killed. The FBI later identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.

Despite the apparent danger, Trump's campaign assured the public that he was unharmed. In a statement released shortly after the attack, they emphasized his safety.

Leading up to the rally, the atmosphere was festive and filled with anticipation. Butler, a city of 13,000 residents located in western Pennsylvania, has long been considered a stronghold of Trump support. The rally attendees, donning red Make America Great Again hats, endured scorching temperatures as they patiently waited for Trump's arrival. Local politicians addressed the crowd, who frequently broke into chants of "Trump! Trump! Trump!"

Outside the secure perimeter, stands showcased food, beverages, and Trump merchandise, mirroring the scene commonly found at these rallies. Behind the stage, another field stretched out, separated by waist-high metal barriers. The atmosphere changed when Trump emerged, greeted by cheers and applause, as he confidently made his way to the stage.

After introducing David McCormick, the Republican candidate running against Democratic Senator Bob Casey, Trump delved into one of his recurring themes: immigration and border security. He directed the audience's attention to a projected chart illustrating the increase in illegal border crossings.

Following the gunfire, chaos ensued, with Secret Service agents flooding the stage in their black uniforms, armed with rifles. The crowd remained down, except for a group near the perimeter, where the shots seemed to originate. Rico Elmore, the vice chairman of the Beaver County Republican Party, recounted the horrifying experience, noting that he tried to aid a victim but sadly could not save them.

As Trump was safely driven away, rally attendees anxiously sought updates on his condition. The crowd eventually started dispersing, with some expressing frustration and anger towards the media.

Law enforcement swiftly evacuated everyone from the scene, declaring the vast field a crime scene. The aftermath revealed remnants of the rally, with plastic water bottles and discarded food containers scattered across the grass.

The investigation into this apparent assassination attempt continues, as authorities work to uncover the motives behind the shooter's actions. In the wake of the incident, questions arise about the security measures at political rallies and the safety of politicians and their supporters.