Butler, PA – Safety was paramount in everyone’s mind staunch trump supporter Those who gathered at the Butler Farm Show grounds to listen to the former President.
Police were everywhere amid the crowd that Butler County Sheriff’s officials estimated at 60,000, snipers could be seen on rooftops ahead of the rally, and the Secret Service acknowledged that security had been increased. The event marked Trump’s return to the Pennsylvania site where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in July. The former president’s remarks are scheduled for 5 p.m. EST.
Supporters say Trump’s return to Butler, Pennsylvania, site of first assassination, ‘audacious’
A uniformed Secret Service member screens rally attendees as former President Trump returns to Butler, PA, on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)
Friends who traveled more than three hours to see Trump said their families were worried about him coming to the rally, but described how they felt safe with the tight security.
“Our families weren’t too excited about us coming today,” Jody Cavalieri said. “But we see the shooters, police everywhereAnd the camaraderie, and it’s great.”
“People are coming from all over the country, it’s an amazing feeling,” Dena Diebold said.
Secret Service officers stand at the entrance area of the Butler Farms show grounds, where former President Trump returned Saturday to hold a campaign rally. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)
The Secret Service has increased security since the first Butler rally in July — including on the rooftop of a nearby warehouse, where investigators say 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on July 13.
The miscreants fired eight rounds, which passed Trump’s ear, killing Corey Comparat, a 50-year-old firefighter and father of two daughters, and injuring two others.
A Secret Service officer screens rally attendees before former President Trump’s rally on Saturday in Butler, PA. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)
U.S. Secret Service (USS) spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to Fox News Digital that Trump was receiving “enhanced” security during the second Butler rally.
“Since the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump, the U.S. Secret Service has made sweeping changes and enhancements to our communications capabilities, resources, and protective operations,” he said. “Today, the former president is under tight security, and we take our responsibility to ensure his safety very seriously.”
Guglielmi said the USSS is “coordinating closely” with Pennsylvania State Police as well as local law enforcement.
“We are also leveraging other federal security resources to expand personnel and technology,” he said. “To maintain the integrity of our protective operations, we cannot go into specifics regarding security enhancements. Area residents can expect to experience traffic delays and an increased presence of state, local and federal law enforcement as part of our efforts.” There is hope.”
A Secret Service officer screens attendees of a rally before former President Trump’s speech in Butler, Pa., on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)
Chairs are set up for Saturday’s Trump campaign rally in Butler, PA. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)
Supporters noted the increased security and said they felt safer than at the July 13 rally.
“It’s obviously safer. Far safer,” David Mills told Fox News Digital, pointing to snipers on rooftops. ,you have snipers Back there on the roof. Law enforcement is everywhere.
“I didn’t feel unsafe in July, but security in July was much lower than it was four years ago (at Butler) and today,” he said.
Trump assassination attempt: Supporters excited by GOP candidate’s return in Pennsylvania
Others said they felt safe attending because of the extra security.
Dennis Mataria, athletic secretary for the St. Mary’s School District, said, “I feel safe. I listen to Fox News and I know they have increased security.” “I’ve seen security here, and I’ve seen notices of things we can’t bring in.”
Dan Daisley carries a cross while praying with Sue Hensel and others while waiting in line for Republican presidential candidate former President Trump’s rally at the Butler Farms Show grounds in Butler, Pa., on Saturday. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Dan Beasley, a real estate broker, quipped that it was “the safest place in America.”
“This is probably the safest place in America right now,” he said, laughing. “That’s what I would say.”
He added, “People are calm.” “It’s a group god fearing people Who are taking a stand here.”
Trump’s campaign said he is “more determined than ever” after two assassination attempts in the past nine weeks, one in Butler and the other at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
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He said, “On July 13 at Butler Maidan he took the bullet for democracy – and on November 5 he is going to save our democracy.” “With the help of the wonderful people of Pennsylvania and citizens across our country, we will make America safer, stronger, freer and greater than ever before.”
