Jacki Quinto traveled over 1,300 miles from Amarillo, Texas, to witness former President Donald Trump return to Butler County, the site of a recent assassination attempt in July where a bullet grazed his right ear. “I think it’s very important to be here now,” Quinto stated, expressing that she wasn’t surprised by Trump’s return so soon after the incident. She joined tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters at the Butler Farm Show grounds to cheer on the former president.
The crowd, adorned in Make America Great Again hats and patriotic attire, warmly welcomed Donald Trump. Many wore T-shirts featuring an image of the former president with a bloodied ear, fist raised, shouting “Fight, fight, fight,” capturing the moment after the assassination attempt. Excitement filled the air as thousands cheered and raised their phones to record Trump’s plane flying over the venue upon his arrival.
Spontaneous chants of “USA, USA, USA,” and “Fight! Fight! Fight!” erupted throughout the rally hours before Trump took the stage. His speech was preceded by an engaging program that included paratroopers, a live patriotic painting, and music. Several speakers, including Trump, honored Corey Comperatore, a victim of the July shooting who died shielding his family. The crowd observed moments of silence, occasionally breaking into chants of “Corey! Corey! Corey!” in tribute.
Many attendees, including Thad Paunovich, who witnessed the July incident, returned to show their support for Donald Trump. Paunovich described the moment when Trump fell and the crowd took cover, highlighting the atmosphere of solidarity among supporters. “Donald Trump is a fighter, and we as supporters have his back,” he said.
Dina and Larry Goldowski, also present at the July rally, expressed their eagerness to see donald Trump again. “We’ve got to fight, fight, fight for the country,” Dina said, noting their comfort with the increased security measures at the event. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, who chairs a bipartisan task force investigating the July assassination attempt, mentioned that security and communication strategies had improved for the rally.
Kelly emphasized the significant differences in security between July and October, explaining that law enforcement at all levels were better prepared for communication with each other. Helicopters and drones hovered above the site throughout the day, ensuring attendees felt safe. “There is no place safer in America — or maybe in the world — than Butler, Pennsylvania today,” Kelly said.
Many rallygoers, like Quinto, felt reassured by the safety measures in place. Rally attendees had to pass through metal detectors and bag checks, with snipers positioned on nearby rooftops. Kelly Carroll, 50, of West Deer, attending her first Trump rally, expressed her excitement, stating she had no qualms about being there. “I just wanted to be part of it,” she said, enjoying the friendly atmosphere. The rally attracted supporters of all ages, including 12-year-old Carson Vanallman, who arrived in Butler Saturday morning with his parents, thrilled to see the former president donald trump in person for the first time. “I love his energy and what he brings to the table,” he said.
