BUTLER, Pennsylvania — There’s a Connecticut connection to the chaos that unfolded over the weekend at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
A Quinnipiac University student was among the crowd of rally goers as bullets whizzed by in an assassination attempt on the former president.
“It was like a fever dream. It was so scary,” recalled Tyler Hoke, a finance major and the vice president of QU’s Republican club who is now an eyewitness to history.
"It was jaw dropping,” Tyler added.
The incident now marks a moment in the history books. From the assassination of JFK and the moon landing to the death of Princess Diana and the terror attacks of 9/11; they are just some of the moments that those who lived through them will never forget.
Tyler wore high tech glasses that recorded what he saw at the rally that terrifying day. He captured the Secret Service counter-sniper team setting up their rifles.
Minutes later, an assassin's bullet grazed the former president.
“The first thoughts going through my mind were, 'Oh my God is he dead?'” recalled Jake Hoke, Tyler’s twin.
The brothers were visiting a friend in Pittsburgh. They all decided it would be fun to attend the Trump rally in nearby Butler. It was a spur of the moment decision on what was a blistering hot day.
“There were a lot of people passing out from heat exhaustion,” explained Tyler.
It took the brother three hours to pass through metal detectors.
“They had a whole security setup, kind of like a sports stadium,” said Jake.
At the time, everyone was unaware of the impending threat lurking beyond the perimeter.
“I remember vividly looking over to see a water tower. I was surprised to see no sniper was stationed there. That was concerning because it had higher ground,” said Jake.
As Trump began his speech, he went off script and started gesturing to and referencing a chart.
“Nobody expected what was going to come,” said Tyler.
That’s when Trump tilted his head.
“That actually came to save his life,” said Jake.
A pop was heard.
“Nobody in the crowd knew it was a gunshot. I know for myself I thought it was a firecracker. You heard the shot and then a barrage of shots. Boom, boom, boom, boom,” described Tyler.
“I turned to my twin and friend Guy and I yelled, 'Run, let’s get out of here,'” recalled Jake.
The brothers were only about 50 yards from Trump when they ran for cover to a nearby medical tent.
“ I just felt my heart beating out of my chest. I was so scared,” recalled Tyler.
The experience forever changed their lives.
“I’m happy to be vertical today and alive and happy to be breathing,” said Jake.
RELATED: No evidence to support claims that extra security requests were denied ahead of Trump’s rally
It is also, perhaps, an experience that will forever change the nation.
“Stop the hate. Your neighbor is your neighbor. They are not your enemy,” said Jake.
As they rushed to safety, Tyler and Jake heard some people yelling ‘F-Joe Biden’ and shouting conspiracy theories. The twins, however, say this is a time of national unity.
“To truly unite as a people we need to understand each other. The moment that we stop talking to one another is the moment that we lose ourselves,” said Tyler.
Tyler and Jake say they never saw the would-be assassin and feel the Secret Service did an admirable job. They’re shaken up but felt it was important to share their story to show that tragedy affects all humanity — regardless of political party.
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Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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