Journalist captures near assassination of Donald Trump in bestseller
- On July 13, 2024, gunfire broke out at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in one death and injuring Donald Trump.
- Salena Zito, an eyewitness and columnist, wrote 'Butler,' which became a bestseller and explores the event's implications on American politics.
- A film adaptation of her book is in production, directed by Brett Ratner, highlighting both her experiences and the significant events in Butler.
On July 13, 2024, an alarming incident occurred at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where gunfire erupted, leading to the death of one participant and injuring Donald Trump. Salena Zito, who was a columnist and an eyewitness to the event, was positioned just four feet away from Trump when the shots were fired. A security officer swiftly intervened, pulling Zito to safety. The traumatic experience compelled her to pen her narrative, resulting in the publication of her book, which reveals not only the harrowing day itself but also the implications of the event for the broader political landscape. The book, titled 'Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland,' quickly ascended to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and Amazon's top ten shortly after its release. In her writing, Zito aims to explore how such localized events resonate nationally, especially with regards to the sociopolitical dynamics of areas often neglected by mainstream media and political elites. She argues that the incident highlighted deeply rooted regional values and the sentiments of voters in places like Butler County. Following her book's success, Zito revealed that a film adaptation is in progress, with the intention of covering not only the events that transpired at the rally but also her own career. Acclaimed director Brett Ratner is set to helm the project, and discussions regarding casting have surfaced, with Marisa Tomei being a popular choice among fans, although no official casting has been confirmed yet. Zito’s work has garnered significant attention, including praise from Trump himself, who described her book as powerful and acknowledged her unique perspective as a witness to that critical day. Zito’s retelling goes beyond merely documenting the violent episode; it serves as a reflection on the deep-rooted identity of American communities. It emphasizes the relevance of place, locality, and community in influencing political outcomes and candidate narratives. The book and its subsequent adaptation seek to shed light on the unyielding spirit of America's heartland, illustrating how regional dynamics play an essential role in shaping national conversations and electoral landscapes. Zito's remarks indicate her belief that this book is a necessary exploration of American identity in both historical and contemporary contexts.