On a sweltering August day in 1966, a lone gunman ascends the University of Texas Tower in Austin, armed with rifles and intent on terrorizing the campus. The ordinary hustle and bustle of the university is shattered as shots ring out, causing chaos and confusion among students and faculty. Witnesses scramble for cover, unsure of what’s happening or where the shots are coming from. Through the eyes of various individuals caught in the unfolding tragedy, from a pregnant student to reporters covering the breaking news, the event's first harrowing moments are depicted with a blend of real footage and rotoscopic animation. As victims fall and panic spreads, a sense of horror grips the community while law enforcement struggles to organize an effective response.

Amidst the turmoil, stories of extraordinary bravery and resilience emerge. Ordinary students and bystanders become heroes, risking their lives to help the injured and guide them to safety. A radio reporter broadcasts live from beneath desks as more people tune in, desperate for information. The relentless assault tests the limits of human courage and compassion, painting a vivid picture of how an entire community confronts an unimaginable crisis. The narrative focuses on these diverse experiences in the face of terror, capturing both the immediate impact and the lingering scars left on those who survived.