Former President Donald Trump arrives to attend a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
Evan Vucci | AP
Former President Donald Trump preparing to hold a protest on Saturday at butlerPennsylvania, his location July 13 protest chaos erupted after a gunman opened fire in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Republican presidential candidate, instead killing a member of the crowd.
Trump first announced His plan was to return to Butler in July, 13 days after the protest shooting.
With about four weeks to go until the November 5 election and early voting well underway, the Trump campaign is working to ramp up the hype surrounding the Butler event. This could be one of Trump’s last high-profile opportunities to make his case to the American public, amid an equally important conflict.
“BUTLER ON SATURDAY – HISTORY!” Trump wrote above Social truth on Thursday.
But Trump returns to Butler in a very different presidential race.
Before Butler’s first visit, Trump was still reeling from President Joe Biden’s poor performance at their meeting. June 27 debate, making Democrats increasingly skeptical about their candidate’s ability to win a second term.
Since then, Biden has drop out of school of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris has taken over the Democratic leadership and she has begun to erode Trump’s advantage.
Trump’s second Butler rally will also attract the attention of his new entourage.
Tesla CEO and Trump’s new ally Elon Musk announced Saturday that he would speak at the rally. Musk officially endorsed Trump hours after Butler’s assassination, marking a clear turning point in their previously hostile relationship.
Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, will also give an opening speech.
Family members of Corey Comperatore, the crowd member shot and killed during a protest in July, are also expected to participate, according to the report. campaign.
Going into Saturday’s protest, the Secret Service said it had beefed up its security plan.
The Butler shooting put the Secret Service under intense scrutiny as questions were raised about how a gunman could get so close to the former president at a public event. That outrage increased after Trump became a target Another assassination in September.
On Friday, the Secret Service pledged that it had “made comprehensive changes and improvements” to its communications capabilities and resources.
“The former President is receiving enhanced protection and we take our responsibility to ensure his safety and security very seriously,” spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.
