With heightened security in place, dozens of ’special guests’ including billionaire Elon Musk will join the former president for a Pennsylvania rally.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Pa.—Former President Donald Trump spoke on stage in Butler Township, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, returning to the place where he survived an assassination attempt on July 13 this year.
Roughly 45 minutes into the speech, Trump invited billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on stage. Musk urged the crowd and the audience watching to register to vote. He cautioned that this year will be “the last election” if people don’t take the step.
“Nothing is more important,” Musk said.
The former president, who is in the final stretch of his second bid to regain the White House, had vowed to come back to Butler shortly after narrowly avoiding a direct hit from a bullet; it pierced his right ear.
Trump thanked the law enforcement and first responders who were involved in protecting him and rushing him off the stage and to a hospital.
He also devoted several minutes to commemorate Corey Comperatore, the man who was killed in the shooting. The former president paused the rally for a minute of silence in memory of Comperatore, timed to 6:11 p.m., the moment the shooting in July began. A singer performed “Ave Maria” as the crowd stood by.
“The love that he showed on that day and throughout his life is the love that sustains the entire movement, love that our families have, and it’s love of our communities and love of our country,” Trump said of Comperatore, who leapt to shield his family when the shots ran out.
Aside from spending several minutes attacking the Biden-Harris administration over the federal response to hurricane Helene, Trump traversed familiar themes during the speech.
In a departure from the traditional rally lineup, Trump remained on stage after the speech as opera singer Christopher Macchio performed.
The Assassination Attempt
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.
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 included 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 were 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.
But the campaign’s news release also suggests some performers will likely entertain the crowd, considering that the guest list includes the Frog-X Parachute Team, speed-painting artist Scott LoBaido, and musician Lee Greenwood, whose patriotic song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” has long served as Trump’s entrance anthem.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.