While hundreds of people reveled among the games, rides and food trucks at the El Paso County Fair on Sunday, a primary topic of conversation was an apparent attack on former President Donald Trump the day before.

At a rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, a gunman fired several rounds in Trump’s direction, one of which grazed the former president’s right ear. The alleged shooter and an audience member were killed, and two other people were injured. Law enforcement is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt, according to multiple sources.

The Gazette spoke with several fair attendees on Sunday. While the majority of the fairgoers expressed an affinity for Trump, opinions differed on the motive behind the shooting and the possible repercussions.

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Some believed the shooting was the act of a radicalized loner. Others thought the alleged shooter was a pawn in a left-wing conspiracy to prevent the former president from becoming the future president.

“It’s the Democrats,” said Dodie Stiving, who lives in Rush. “They don’t think Biden can beat (Trump), and they’ll do anything to try to keep him out of the election.”

Still others expressed concern that Saturday’s shooting might represent a violent turning point in the country’s political climate.

“I think now there’s a possibility that (violence) will come from the other side,” said Jeff Koob of Calhan.

“The rhetoric on both sides has gotten out of control. It’s gone way beyond politics. Now it’s personal attacks and nastiness.”

Koob, who attended the fair with his wife, Cassandra, and their grandchildren, said Biden’s recent debate performance contrasts starkly with the image of Trump on Saturday, with blood on his face and his fist in the air, just moments after the shooting.

“Who do you vote for? It’s a no brainer,” he said.

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“You vote for the person you think can take this country into the next four years. Do you think Biden can even last four weeks? We don’t really know. What we do know is that he is struggling.”

Lance and Debbie Carroll said Saturday’s attack was the latest example of a political climate that has grown too vitriolic in recent years.

“The violence and hate on both sides is ridiculous,” Lance said. “The hate’s gotta stop. We need to accept each other’s differences and move on.”

“It’s sad. Very sad,” Debbie Carroll said of the shooting. “But we’re grateful that he’s OK.”

Dana McNair, whose grandchildren were competing in livestock shows, said she hoped Saturday’s attack was an isolated incident, and that the presidential campaigns can continue without further turmoil.

“Let the process handle itself,” McNair said. “The American people should be able to vote for who they want. If (Trump) is elected, then he’s elected. If he’s not, he’s not. Let the people decide.”