Salena Zito details her experience during Trump assassination attempt

In July 2024, a significant political event occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, when an assassination attempt was made against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The incident unfolded during a rally where Trump was delivering a speech, and it resulted in chaos as shots were fired by a 20-year-old assailant named Thomas Matthew Crooks. The bullets grazed Trump’s ear, but he remarkably survived the attack, credited largely to a swift reaction from protective agents and his own instinct to duck at a crucial moment. In the aftermath, Trump was quickly taken to safety, while the rally turned into a scene of confusion and fear. The coverage of this event has gained attention, particularly through the new KDKA Originals documentary series that recounts the attempt on Trump’s life. With the documentary titled 'In the Crosshairs: The Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump,' it aims to provide an in-depth narrative from the perspective of KDKA-TV journalists who were present at the rally. The 30-minute documentary, launched in July 2025, one year after the attempts, features exclusive footage and personal accounts from the reporters, offering the public a unique glimpse into the events as they unfolded. KDKA executives highlighted the significance of this documentary in shedding light on the complexities of the situation and the heroic responses from their team. In a related narrative, journalist Salena Zito has penned her reflections in her book, 'Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland.' Zito, who found herself mere feet from Trump during the assault, documented her experiences and insights surrounding the day of the attack. Remarkably, she chose to continue recording the live event despite the danger, illustrating her commitment to journalism. Zito's account details not only the tense moments during the shooting but also how she interacted with Trump and the protective details surrounding him. Upon returning to Butler for a rally later that year, Trump recognized the significance of that day and honored the families affected. The event has resonated with the public and appears to encapsulate a pivotal moment in American political history. Both Zito's reflections and the KDKA documentary are significant contributions to the understanding and remembrance of that day, providing essential narratives to a political landscape that continues to evolve. As discussions surrounding safety at political events persist, these accounts underline the inherent dangers faced by candidates in a politically charged environment.