Trump shooting: Former central Ohio FOP head just 30 feet from Pennsylvania violence
The former head of the central Ohio police union was 30 feet from former President Donald Trump as he was rushed off stage after multiple gunshots rang out Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Jeff Simpson, past president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, told The Dispatch he was just six rows from the stage with his wife and kids and had been watching Trump speak for about five minutes before he heard the unmistakable sound of gunfire.
"Twenty-nine years as a cop, my initial reaction was just for muscle memory. I went right for my ankle holster for my gun — it wasn't there — I couldn't carry it in," Simpson said. "I had the family … get down … but I stayed up, looking to see if I can see where the shooter was."
Simpson retired from the Columbus Division of Police in 2024 and served as the president of the FOP Capital City Lodge No. 9 from April 2021 through early 2024, when he stepped aside from that role, The Dispatch previously reported.
The FOP Capital City Lodge No. 9 represents about 4,000 law enforcement officers throughout central Ohio.
Trump reached for his ear when the apparent gunfire happened. He seemed to have blood on his ear and cheek as he left the stage. Attendees at the rally began screaming as agents pushed Trump to the ground.
Simpson said he saw Trump initially fall and get up and saw a puff of smoke from what he believed was a bullet hitting a speaker or hydraulics from a crane holding an American flag.
When he saw Trump stand up and fist pump the crowd, he was filled with a sense of pride.
"Pride for America because America never quits," Simpson said. "But I didn't know how bad he was, but I was hoping he'd be OK."
But Simpson quickly realized that other bystanders were seriously injured and possibly killed by the gunfire. One spectator at the rally died, and two are in serious condition at last report.
"There were people sitting there praying," he said. "There were several people in prayer saying the Lord's Prayer."
Simpson said he and his family considered sitting in the bleachers where bystanders were hit but decided to sit in front of the stage, so they didn't have the sun in their eyes. They wanted a better view of the former president.
"My prayers go out to the family. I mean, they're just coming to a simple rally in Butler, Pennsylvania," Simpson said.
"It is a dark day for America, no matter what side of the aisle you're on," Simpson said.
"My message would be that this is still America, despite our differences in politics," Simpson said. "We should respect others beliefs in a respectful way, not getting so damn angry … because this person likes this side, or this person likes this side."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trump shooting: Former central Ohio official near Penn. incident