Trump Begins Butler Rally With a Joke: ‘As I Was Saying’
President Donald Trump returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, making a dramatic entrance at the site where he survived an assassination attempt just three months ago. The rally, held at the Butler Farm Show grounds, drew thousands of supporters eager to hear from the Republican presidential nominee.
Trump opened his speech with a characteristic blend of humor and defiance, saying, “Thank you. A very big thank you. We love Pennsylvania. And… As I was saying.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, recognizing the reference to the July incident that abruptly ended his previous appearance at this location. The former president’s return to Butler was laden with symbolism and emotion. On July 13, a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, striking Trump’s ear and forcing his evacuation from the stage.
The incident raised serious questions about security measures and led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle less than two weeks later, as TTOA previously reported.
Addressing the assassination attempt directly, Trump stated, “For 16 seconds, time stopped as this vicious monster unleashed pure evil from snipers perched from not so far away.”
He added, “That villain did not succeed,” emphasizing his resilience in the face of the attack.
The rally also served as a tribute to Corey Comperatore, a local firefighter who lost his life shielding family members during the shooting.
Trump acknowledged Comperatore’s sacrifice, and a memorial was set up in the bleachers, featuring the fallen hero’s fireman’s jacket surrounded by flowers.
Trump was joined on stage by his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX.
The presence of these high-profile figures underscored the campaign’s efforts to generate maximum media attention with just 30 days remaining in the tight race.
The former president used the opportunity to reaffirm his campaign message, declaring, “We are going to make America great again, we are going to win the election. And to all Americans… Together in just one month we are going to usher in a new golden age.”
Security was noticeably heightened for the event, with local law enforcement working closely with the Secret Service to prevent any potential threats. Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe told local media that “everyone is doubling down on their efforts” to ensure safety.
The rally also attracted its share of controversy. Members of the Harvard Lampoon, a student-run humor magazine, impersonated reporters from The Harvard Crimson and distributed t-shirts falsely claiming the newspaper had endorsed Trump.
This prank, part of a long-standing rivalry between the two student organizations, added an unexpected element of confusion to the event.
Despite the jovial atmosphere at the rally, Trump’s return to Butler highlighted the ongoing security concerns surrounding his campaign.
In a recent interview with Fox Nation host Kellyanne Conway, the former president admitted to feeling unsafe on the campaign trail, stating, “I’m in a very dangerous position and, sadly, it’s only consequential presidents that this happens to.”
As the 2024 presidential race enters its final month, Trump’s Butler rally served as a powerful reminder of the high stakes and intense emotions surrounding this election.
The former president’s ability to turn a near-tragedy into a triumphant return demonstrates his campaign’s resilience and his unwavering connection with his base. However, the lingering questions about security and the potential for violence cast a shadow over the proceedings, underscoring the unique challenges facing this unprecedented campaign.
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