Trump hosts campaign rally at Butler, PA with JD Vance, Elon Musk

Former President Donald Trump is set to make a significant return to Butler, Pennsylvania, this Saturday, where a tragic assassination attempt unfolded in July. Trump, who has frequently expressed concerns over his safety, is fulfilling what he called a “moral obligation” to revisit the site and honour the victims. Despite ongoing security concerns, Trump remains committed to his promise to the people of Butler. "I'll probably start off by saying, 'As I was saying...'" he joked, referencing the moment his speech was cut short by gunfire, leaving him injured with a graze to his ear.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, will join him at the event, along with tech billionaire Elon Musk, adding star power to the rally as the Trump campaign looks to generate headlines with only 30 days left before the election. This rally, described as a "tribute to the American spirit," is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees. Local hotels and motels are already fully booked, with eager supporters arriving early to witness the former president's return.

According to Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, “President Trump looks forward to returning to Butler, Pennsylvania, to honor the victims from that tragic day. The willingness of Pennsylvanians to join him represents the strength and resilience of the American people.” The rally will also pay tribute to Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter killed during the July 13 shooting, and the other victims, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were injured in the attack.

The July attack, perpetrated by 20-year-old shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, remains a subject of intense investigation, particularly regarding how Crooks managed to evade law enforcement and take a position with clear sightlines to the stage. Local authorities, along with the Secret Service, are now focusing on quadrupling security measures to ensure the safety of attendees.

Butler County, a key stronghold for Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections, remains deeply divided over his return. With a strong Republican base—57% of its registered voters—Trump aims to drive voter turnout in this critical swing state. However, his return also stirs political tensions, with residents like Heidi Priest, a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, noting that Trump’s presence raises fears among those opposed to his re-election.