Former President Donald Trump is set to return to Butler, Pennsylvania, this Saturday, revisiting the site where a gunman attempted to assassinate him in July.
Despite his growing concerns over safety, Trump has expressed a commitment to fulfil what he recently described as “really an obligation” to the people of Butler.
“I’ll probably start off by saying, ‘As I was saying …’” Trump quipped, making light of the moment his speech was abruptly halted when a bullet grazed his ear. He was quickly escorted off stage, fist raised, as blood streamed down his face, as reported by Associated Press.
Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, will join him at the Butler Farm Show grounds, alongside billionaire Elon Musk, who will also speak at the rally. With just 30 days left in the tight race against Democratic opponents Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the campaign has sought to maximise attention for the event. A billboard en route to the rally reads “IN MUSK WE TRUST,” accompanied by Musk’s image.
The Trump campaign anticipates a crowd of tens of thousands for what they are billing as a “tribute to the American spirit.” Hotels in the area were reported to be fully booked, and some supporters arrived the day before. By dawn on Saturday, hundreds had already queued for the rally.
A memorial has been set up for firefighter Corey Comperatore, who tragically died shielding his family during the July 13 shooting. His fireman’s jacket was displayed in the bleachers, surrounded by flowers. Security at the event is visibly increased, with armed law enforcement officers stationed on rooftops in camouflage uniforms.
“President Trump looks forward to returning to Butler, Pennsylvania, to honour the victims of that tragic day,” campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. “The strength and resilience of the American people are reflected in Pennsylvanians’ willingness to join him in his return”, AP reported.
Trump is expected to pay tribute to Comperatore and recognise the two other victims of the shooting, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were also injured alongside Trump. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from an unsecured rooftop but was ultimately shot by sharpshooters.
The site of the shooting is now secured with tractor trailers, a large perimeter, and fencing. Bleachers have been moved to the sides rather than directly behind Trump. Questions still remain about how Crooks managed to evade law enforcement and reach the building’s rooftop, posing a significant threat to the former president. His motive also remains unclear.
Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger told WPXI-TV this week that efforts to ensure the safety of the event have been redoubled. Sheriff Mike Slupe stated that he estimates the Secret Service is deploying “quadruple the assets” compared to the July rally, as the agency deals with the fallout from its worst security lapse in decades.
Butler County, located in a crucial presidential swing state, remains a Trump stronghold, with the former president securing 66% of the vote in both 2016 and 2020. Roughly 57% of the county’s 139,000 registered voters are Republicans, compared to 29% who are Democrats.
Among rally attendees was Chris Harpster, a 30-year-old from Tyrone, Pennsylvania, who recounted his fear during the July shooting. “I was afraid,” he said, recalling the concern of his parents who were watching from home and immediately texted him when shots were fired. Despite the traumatic event, Harpster expressed confidence in the increased security measures and the presence of his girlfriend, attending her first rally.
Other locals were less enthusiastic about Trump’s return. Heidi Priest, a Butler resident and supporter of Kamala Harris, said the former president’s last visit heightened political tensions. “Whenever you see people supporting him and getting excited about him being here, it scares the people who don’t want to see him re-elected,” she remarked.
However, rallygoer Terri Palmquist, who travelled from Bakersfield, California, rejected fear. “If fear controls us, we lose,” she said, expressing her faith that “God’s got Trump, for some reason.”
With Pennsylvania a key battleground, Trump is relying on strong turnout from conservative areas like Butler County to secure victory. Harris, too, has made Pennsylvania a focal point of her campaign, repeatedly rallying in the state as part of a broader effort to win over crucial swing voters.
(with inputs from AP)
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