Pennsylvania Mayor Jondavid Longo was seated in the front row, just feet away from former President Donald Trump, when a gunman opened fire during a rally in Butler. Longo had been looking forward to the rally and traveled there with his family from Slippery Rock, which is approximately 30 miles away. He was excited to deliver remarks and lead the Pledge of Allegiance before Trump took the stage, but the day took a turn when shots were fired into the crowd. Longo, who served in the Marine Corps, described hearing the gunfire and realizing the severity of the situation as Trump grabbed his ear and reacted to the shots.
Longo was seated to the right of Trump, less than 15 feet away, when the shooting started. He and other politicians seated nearby immediately recognized the danger and alerted the crowd to get down and stay calm to allow law enforcement, especially the Secret Service, to engage the threat. The source of the shots was eventually determined to be an outside venue directly behind them. Longo’s initial concern was for his family and friends, but he also turned his attention to helping those in need around him. He commended the many individuals who stepped in to help during the chaos and praised Trump’s reaction to the situation, describing his defiant fist raise as a moment of steadfast leadership that offered a brief reprieve from the horror.
Despite the actions of Longo and others in helping those in the crowd, the tragic loss of volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore still weighs heavily on their minds. Comperatore lost his life while shielding his wife and daughters from the gunfire at the rally. Longo expressed his condolences to Comperatore’s family, emphasizing their immense loss and the stolen opportunity for him to hear a message of hope and inspiration from President Trump that evening. He highlighted Comperatore’s selfless act of protection and the impact it had on those around him, underscoring the heroism displayed during the tragic event.
Reflecting on the events that transpired at the rally, Longo spoke about the moments of fear, confusion, and eventual relief that defined the experience for him and those in attendance. He recounted how the initial disbelief at the sound of gunshots gave way to a recognition of the danger and the need to act quickly to ensure the safety of everyone present. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, Longo stressed the importance of remaining calm and following the instructions of law enforcement to mitigate the risk posed by the gunman. He also highlighted the sense of unity and support that emerged among those gathered, as individuals banded together to help each other in the face of danger.
Longo shared his gratitude for the response of law enforcement and first responders who acted swiftly to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of those at the rally. He praised their professionalism and dedication in handling the situation under high-pressure circumstances. Longo also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support and solidarity that followed the assassination attempt, as people came together to offer assistance, comfort, and condolences to those affected by the tragic events. The rallying of communities in times of crisis, he noted, serves to reaffirm the resilience and strength of individuals when faced with adversity.
