Jondavid Longo, mayor of Slippery Rock, PA, witnessed the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump from the front row. He shares his account of the harrowing incident and the moment Trump responded with defiance.
Front-row attendee Jondavid Longo, mayor of Slippery Rock, PA, vividly recalls the harrowing moments when an assassination attempt unfolded just feet away from former President Donald Trump at a recent rally.
Longo and his family were eagerly anticipating the rally, having traveled to Butler that morning. As the event commenced, Longo, seated in the front row to the right of Trump, found himself at the epicenter of a nightmare.
Front-Row Witness Recounts Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
"Just when I thought it was going to be a special day, it took a complete 180. A maniac decided to open fire on President Trump and the rally attendees," Longo recounted.
With his military training as an infantry rifleman, Longo instantly recognized the sound of gunfire. "The second, third, and fourth round started to fly and it became obvious to us that it was gunfire. It was especially obvious when I saw President Trump grab his ear."
Front-Row Witness Recounts Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
Confusion and fear gripped the crowd, but Longo and his fellow politicians quickly alerted the surrounding attendees to take cover. Amidst the chaos, they identified the origin of the shots, which were coming from an outside venue behind them.
"We were living in that moment," Longo said. "My thoughts were with my wife, my family, and my friends, but then our attention turned to individuals who needed help."
Front-Row Witness Recounts Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
Despite the danger, numerous individuals stepped forward to assist the wounded and guide others to safety. Longo witnessed Trump's resolute response, which provided a glimmer of hope amidst the terror.
"I tell you what, it continues to stick up [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."
Front-Row Witness Recounts Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
Although grateful for the assistance provided, Longo lamented the tragic loss of volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, who selflessly shielded his family from the gunfire.
"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," Longo said, extending his deepest condolences.
Front-Row Witness Recounts Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
Reflecting on the aftermath, Longo emphasized the importance of remembering Chief Comperatore's sacrifice and the resilience of those who faced such adversity.
"The world is with them right now," Longo said. "We must continue to support each other and strive for a future where such senseless acts of violence are a thing of the past."
