Trump Fulfilling ‘Obligation’ to Return to Butler, Where He Survived Assassination Attempt

BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Pa.—Under enhanced security, throngs are expected to join former President Donald Trump and dozens of special guests as they resume a July 13 campaign rally that was cut short when a gunman opened fire, killing one person and wounding three others, including Trump.

The former president, who is in the final stretch of his second bid to regain the White House, vowed to come back to Butler shortly after narrowly avoiding a direct hit from a bullet; it grazed his right ear because Trump turned his head slightly at just the right moment.

At the July 13 rally, an estimated 15,000 people waited in scorching heat for hours. Trump had only spoken for a few minutes before the shots rang out, bringing the rally to an abrupt end.

The U.S. Secret Service has faced criticism for security lapses surrounding the shooting and another gunman’s foiled plan to kill Trump as he golfed in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. Most concerns have centered on on-site planning failures; Trump and others have praised agents for acting swiftly after threats became obvious in both instances.

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Ahead of the Oct. 5 rally, local and federal officials expressed confidence that necessary adjustments have been made to protect Trump and the public.

James Ott, sheriff in Pennsylvania’s Blair County, about 100 miles southeast of Butler, told The Epoch Times: “After seeing what took place the last time, I would certainly think that they’re going to have a lot of provisions in place … to alleviate any type of threat like that this time.”

Ott is among about a dozen Pennsylvania sheriffs who are expected to attend Saturday’s rally at the Butler Farm Show. He pointed out that he and his fellow sheriffs have taken a public position that, “no matter where you stand in this election … nobody should resort to violence.”

Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service spokesman, said Trump “is receiving heightened levels of U.S. Secret Service protection.” In a statement provided to news outlets, Guglielmi said, “Our top priority is mitigating risks to ensure his continued safety at all times.”

The Secret Service did not respond to The Epoch Times’ request for further comment.

Since the July 13 rally, additional precautions have included erecting glass barriers at outdoor Trump events, and more stringent screenings as attendees and their belongings pass through security checkpoints.

Billy Ray Hunter, a former SWAT officer who has worked on protective security assignments for more than 20 years, told The Epoch Times that he was pleased to hear reports that officers will man a sole central command post at Butler this time. There were multiple command posts on July 13, contributing to communication failures, he said.

“I can’t imagine an operation of that magnitude without a central command. It’s just common sense,” Hunter said.

He predicted officers would employ more aerial surveillance, countersurveillance teams, and tighter perimeter security measures. Hunter expects plainclothes officers will keep a watchful eye as they blend in with the crowd. Also, Hunter said high-profile guests will almost certainly be accompanied by bodyguards or private security officers.

Many ‘Special Guests’

The best-known names on the Trump campaign’s list of special guests for the Oct. 5 rally include the CEO of Tesla and Founder of Space X Elon Musk; Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio); Trump’s son, Eric Trump; and Eric Trump’s wife, Lara Trump, who serves as Republican National Committee co-chair.

Also prominent on the list are a half-dozen loved ones of slain July 13 rallygoer Corey Comperatore, including his widow, Helen Comperatore; wounded July 13 attendee David Dutch; and medical personnel.

The Trump campaign has stated that a major purpose of the event is to honor those who were shot and those who rendered aid.

Sheriff Excited to Attend

Ott said a scheduling conflict prevented him from attending the July 13 rally, but he went to Trump’s Aug. 30 rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he was able to briefly meet the former president. “To shake his hand and have a few words, to talk with him, it was just amazing to see such a genuine person,” Ott said.

He said he was excited about coming to the Oct. 5 event to show his support for “somebody that I feel has done a tremendous job for our country.”

Past rallies have been “electrifying,” he said.

“I can’t stress enough to anybody who’s not been to one of these rallies: If you can find the time to try and find your way to get there, it’s absolutely amazing,” Ott said.

Harris and Trump have taken turns crisscrossing Pennsylvania, which is considered one of the top battleground states that could decide which candidate wins the presidency.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.