At the same time, other members of the Secret Service detail moved to shield President Trump and the First Lady. Reports indicate that protective barriers were used on stage as agents assessed the situation before moving them.

For a brief period, Trump appeared to remain in place while security evaluated the threat level. He was then escorted out shortly afterward, with witnesses noting that he stumbled slightly before being guided toward a secure area behind the stage.

Though the footage can make the sequence appear drawn out, those present described it as unfolding extremely quickly, with decisions being made in real time under pressure.

Why Trump stayed longer than Vance

The difference in evacuation timing has since been addressed directly by Trump.

Speaking in an interview after the incident, he explained that his own actions contributed to the delay.

“Well, what happened is, it was a little bit me,” he said, per AOL. “I wanted to see what was happening, and I wasn’t making it that easy for them.”