Dr. James Sweetland, a retired emergency department physician, witnessed the unfolding horror of the shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania and rushed to help the wounded, including a volunteer firefighter who was tragically killed.
In the chaos and confusion that erupted at a bustling campaign event for former President Trump, one attendee stood out for his unwavering courage: Dr. James Sweetland, a retired emergency department physician. As the chilling sound of gunshots pierced the air, Dr. Sweetland's instincts took over, and he selflessly rushed to the aid of those who had been injured.
Recounting the horrific events to "Fox News @ Night," Dr. Sweetland described the initial shots as resembling firecrackers, followed by a brief pause before a second barrage of gunfire. In the ensuing chaos, people frantically turned to locate the source of the attack.
Retired Doctor's Harrowing Account of Trump Rally Shooting: "I Thought the Worst
Dr. Sweetland's gaze then fell upon a disturbing sight: Secret Service agents forming a protective pyramid around President Trump. Their swift actions hinted at the danger that the former president was facing.
Amidst the turmoil, a woman's cries for help reached Dr. Sweetland's ears. Rushing towards the sound, he encountered a gruesome scene – Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer firefighter, lay on the ground with a fatal bullet wound to his head.
Retired Doctor's Harrowing Account of Trump Rally Shooting: "I Thought the Worst
As Dr. Sweetland attempted to administer CPR, he realized that Comperatore's injuries were too severe. With a heavy heart, he turned to the man's wife and daughter, offering words of comfort amidst their anguish.
"I remember just blurting out to them, he's being taken where he can get help," Dr. Sweetland recalled.
Retired Doctor's Harrowing Account of Trump Rally Shooting: "I Thought the Worst
Comperatore's heroic act of shielding his family from the gunfire had come at a tragic cost. He became the only fatality in the shooting, which also left two others injured.
As the horror unfolded, Trump narrowly escaped harm with only a grazing wound to his ear. Dr. Sweetland admitted that upon hearing the initial shots, he feared the worst.
Retired Doctor's Harrowing Account of Trump Rally Shooting: "I Thought the Worst
"I thought the worst," he said. "I heard a roar from the crowd behind me, but I didn't turn around. I assumed there was something going on behind me."
Despite the terrifying ordeal, Trump pressed on with his plans to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, while reflecting on the close call. In an interview with ABC News, he revealed that he had rewritten his speech to focus on unity in the wake of the assassination attempt.
The FBI has launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting, with the primary suspect identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Dr. Sweetland's courageous actions, along with the swift response of first responders, helped save countless lives in the face of senseless violence.
