A Vietnam War veteran who witnessed the Trump rally says he is not surprised by the assassination attempt, as he saw the president show heroism.

A Pennsylvania woman claims she foresaw an attempt to murder former President Trump.

A Vietnam War veteran who witnessed the Trump rally says he is not surprised by the assassination attempt, as he saw the president show heroism.
A Vietnam War veteran who witnessed the Trump rally says he is not surprised by the assassination attempt, as he saw the president show heroism.

On Saturday, a Pennsylvania woman attended a rally held by former President Trump with her husband. At first, she was unsure if the loud noises she heard were gunshots or fireworks because of the festive mood.

"Chris Konopka, 56, of McMurray, Pennsylvania, recounted to Planet Chronicle Digital over the phone how it was a beautiful day and as they were sitting there, it sounded like firecrackers. Despite the initial shock, he immediately thought, "Who’s the idiot that did this because he’s ruining it for everybody?""

Despite the heat, the rally goers were happy, pleasant, and helpful, as described by Konopka.

She stated that there was no drinking, chanting, or screaming occurring.

Donald Trump greets the crowd during a campaign event at Butler Farm Show Inc
Former President Trump greets the crowd at Butler Farm Show Inc. in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. Moments later, shots rang out, killing one man and injuring Trump and two others.  (Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images)

Near Bethel Park, where the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, resided, Konopka, a first-time rally attendee, and her husband, small business owners, sat approximately 20 feet behind Trump and the stage.

The couple only realized the severity of the situation when they got home, as iPhone service at Butler Farm Show Grounds was restricted and only text messages from her mom were received.

Trump was struck by a bullet on his ear.

"Konopka stated, "I did not notice the blood on his face. I believed the noise came from the gentleman who was killed on the bleachers to our right, assuming he was the one doing the fireworks, not realizing he had been shot.""

She stated that there was no rush of attendees and bystanders maintained their composure as they exited their vehicles in an organized manner.

"We were all just walking and being ushered out, waiting our turn to exit," she said. "The atmosphere made me think 'OK, I'll wait and not react right away.' It all happened so quickly."

A young girl, believed to be 10 years old, was crying among those in the crowd nearby.

"It was so said," she said.

Trump rally attendees confused, duck as bullets fly across the stage

Though she had never attended a rally before, Konopka was particularly attentive to the lack of security as she entered the outdoor venue. She described the security measures, including one metal detector, as "lax."

""My husband said, 'I don't know about this,' and I believe they made it easy for the 20-year-old," she said."

She believes Trump is at too high of a risk to have such little protection, though she said she's unsure if some security personnel were undercover.

""We shouldn't be surprised that an assassination attempt on Trump was surreal, as I expected it and thought it was coming. I just didn't anticipate having a front seat," Konopka stated."

The location of the bullet that struck Trump is what Konopka is most curious about.

Trump rally attendees ducking
Members of the crowd duck under chairs after former President Trump is assisted offstage during a campaign rally at Butler Farm Show on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

"It should have hit someone two rows above me because a bullet doesn't stop and there was nothing behind the podium to stop it besides more people," she said. "Where is it?"

Konopka claims that Americans aren't inquiring enough, while she doubts that Crooks possessed sufficient weaponry and intelligence to act independently.

Though saddened by the loss of life, Konopka was particularly struck by the bravery of a Vietnam War veteran present at the event.

"She said that everyone was ducking. He went straight to the podium without thinking about it."

She stated that the sight was "incredible" and renewed her optimism for the future.

by Gabriele Regalbuto

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