I was at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, assigned as the “network pool” for one of the major broadcast networks. The day started off uneventful, but everything changed when gunshots rang out. Suddenly, President Trump was rushed off stage by his security detail, and chaos ensued.
As a field producer who has covered conflicts and protests around the world, I knew the importance of capturing the moment. I remembered the story of Shelly Fielman, the cameraman who filmed the Reagan assassination, and immediately instructed my cameraman to keep filming, no matter what.
Despite the confusion and uncertainty of the situation, I knew that accuracy was key. I sent a wire report detailing what we had witnessed, even though we didn’t have all the information. It was crucial to verify the facts before reporting, as trust is built on accuracy.
The video footage we captured that day spread like wildfire on the internet, but it’s essential to remember that it only tells part of the story. The aftermath of the incident was filled with theories and speculations, but for the families who were there, it was a day they would never forget.
Covering events like this is both a privilege and a responsibility. As journalists, our duty is to provide accurate information and treat our audience with respect. The work doesn’t end with the first draft of history, and we will continue to seek out more details and insights to provide a comprehensive account of what transpired that day.