Pennsylvania Mayor Witnesses Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo, who was seated just feet from the former president at the time of the incident, provides a firsthand account of the chaos and terror that ensued.

As the former President Donald Trump addressed a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13, a Pennsylvania mayor was mere feet away, witnessing the unfolding horror. Jondavid Longo, the mayor of Slippery Rock, was seated in the front row, less than 15 feet from Trump, when the shots rang out.

Recalling the fateful moment, Longo told Fox News Digital that he had been eagerly anticipating the rally. He said he had been fortunate enough to hear from Trump on Halloween night in 2020 and was even more excited about Saturday's event, as he was invited to deliver a few remarks and lead the Pledge of Allegiance before the former president took the stage.

Pennsylvania Mayor Witnesses Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

"And just what I thought was going to be a special day, 15 minutes later, the day took a complete 180, when a maniac decided to open fire on President Trump and into the rally at President Trump's attendees," Longo said.

Positioned to the right of Trump, Longo was among the first to notice the commotion. "We heard the first shot, crack, and impact. Having been in the Marine Corps going to Afghanistan as an infantry rifleman, I know what the gunfire sounds like, but I don't think anyone in that crowd thought that it could have been possible that was gunfire coming in," he recalled.

Pennsylvania Mayor Witnesses Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

Initially, Longo thought it might have been a firecracker. However, as the subsequent rounds echoed through the air, the grim reality dawned on him. "It became obvious to us that it was gunfire. It was especially obvious to us when I saw President Trump grab his ear, his right ear, and I was watching this from his right profile side," Longo explained.

Confirming with the other politicians seated nearby that they too had heard the gunfire, Longo and his companions alerted the surrounding crowd to take cover and stay calm. They were uncertain of the shooter's location but realized relatively quickly that the shots were coming from an outside venue directly behind them.

Pennsylvania Mayor Witnesses Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

Amidst the chaos, Longo witnessed numerous acts of heroism and selflessness. "We were living in that moment and my thoughts were with my wife, especially who's expecting, wanting to protect her, my family, my friends, and my immediate vicinity, but then our attention turned to individuals who needed help," he said.

One such individual was volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life while shielding his wife and daughters from the gunfire. Longo paid tribute to Comperatore, emphasizing the senseless loss and stolen hope that his family had endured.

Pennsylvania Mayor Witnesses Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

Reflecting on the moments following the shooting, Longo praised Trump's response. "I tell you what, it continues to stick [in] my mind too is the moment President Trump stood up and wrangled his hand from the huddle of the Secret Service members who had pounced on him to protect him, he raised his fist in triumphant defiance. In that moment, that was a moment of steadfast leadership that, I think, offered everybody there a slight reprieve from the horror that everyone had faced together in that moment," Longo said.

Longo expressed his gratitude that no further casualties occurred and commended the swift actions of law enforcement and the rallygoers who stepped in to assist. However, he stressed that the immense loss of Comperatore's life overshadowed the sense of relief.

Pennsylvania Mayor Witnesses Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

"The fact is that he didn't get to go home that night because he came to hear the message of hope and inspiration from President Trump. That was stolen from him, and he was stolen from his family. So once more, I want to offer my condolences to to their family. And I hope they understand that the world is with them right now," Longo said.