Former President Donald Trump made a poignant return to Butler, PA, on Saturday, referencing the attempted assassination that occurred at a campaign rally in the same location months prior.
“As I was saying,” Trump said to loud cheers in the crowd, referencing his return to the stage where he nearly lost his life in Butler, Pennsylvania. The crowd was reminded of the bravery of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life protecting others, and the two individuals who suffered serious injuries during the shooting. Thomas Crooks, the would-be assassin, was ultimately stopped by a Secret Service counter sniper.
At 6:11, exactly 12 weeks after the shooting, Trump requested a moment of silence, accompanied by the somber sounds of tolling bells and Ave Maria. He reflected on the attempted attack, declaring that it had failed to deter his movement or break the spirits of his supporters.
“We are here tonight in record numbers,” Trump stated, “and that’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to fighting against poverty, hatred, and destruction.” He expressed his gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and medical teams who responded to the emergency, including the Butler Township Police Department, Butler Sheriff’s deputies, Pennsylvania State Police, and the medical staff at Butler Memorial Hospital and Allegheny General Hospital.
