In a harrowing turn of events, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Doug Mills found himself at the center of chaos when a gunman opened fire during former President Donald Trump's rally on Saturday. Mills, who was covering the event for the New York Times, captured a series of gripping images that will certainly shape the narrative surrounding the incident.

Initially, Mills mistook the gunshots for the sound of a vehicle passing by. However, he quickly realized the severity of the situation when he saw the shooter grab his ear and collapse. "Oh my gosh, he's been shot," Mills exclaimed, recounting the terrifying moment.

Law enforcement officials have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Armed with an AR-style weapon, Crooks fired six to eight rounds into the rally before a Secret Service sniper swiftly neutralized him. Despite the swift response, one audience member, Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore, tragically lost his life in the shooting, while two others remain in critical condition.

Mills, an experienced photojournalist who has covered presidents since 1983, never imagined he would witness an assassination attempt. However, his dedication to documenting important moments propelled him to continue taking photographs amidst the chaos. Using his Sony camera, capable of capturing an impressive 30 frames per second, Mills meticulously documented the unfolding events.

Upon reviewing his photos, Mills discovered a significant image that could potentially become iconic - a bullet captured behind Trump's head. Realizing the significance of this moment, he immediately sent the images to his editor at The New York Times, who later confirmed its historical value. An FBI forensic expert has since verified the authenticity of the photograph.

Another pivotal image taken by Mills shows Trump raising his fist and encouraging the crowd to "fight." However, in subsequent frames, the shock and pain of the situation becomes evident on the former president's face as blood trickles down from his ear and mouth.

Mills' mentor, the late photographer Ron Edmonds of the Associated Press, had imparted valuable advice that proved invaluable in this high-stakes situation - always keep shooting. Despite the urgency and warnings from the president's staff and Secret Service to take cover, Mills bravely maneuvered around the stage to capture these critical moments.

The photographs captured by Doug Mills during the shooting at the Trump rally are a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and the power of photojournalism. As the investigation into this disturbing incident unfolds, these images will undoubtedly serve as a lasting reminder of the gravity of what transpired on that fateful day.

To view more of Doug Mills' photos from the incident, readers can visit the New York Times' website for a comprehensive visual account of this shocking event.