Donald Trump returns to Butler, Pennsylvania, today for a rally at the Farm Show grounds, the same site where he narrowly escaped assassination on July 13. Consequently, the event promises to be an emotional reunion for Trump and his supporters in this staunchly pro-Trump country. Notably, Butler County has only voted Democrat once in the past 150 years of presidential elections, with Trump beating Joe Biden by a two-to-one margin in 2020.
Meanwhile, locals still grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, which killed Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former volunteer firefighter, and injured two others. Similarly, Comperatore’s widow, Helen, struggles to come to terms with the loss. “I think about it every day. I see it every time I close my eyes,” she says. Furthermore, the community remains haunted by the security failures that allowed the 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, to fire eight shots.
Trump’s Return to Butler highlights the town’s ongoing healing process. Residents like Jim Hulings, chairman of the Butler County Republican Party, express sadness and guilt. “That was the saddest moment of my life,” Hulings recalls. Likewise, others, such as Jondavid Longo, mayor of nearby Slippery Rock, replay the incident in their minds daily.
Moreover, the rally will feature special guests, including the Comperatore family and Elon Musk. Trump’s campaign team promises a “unifying vision for America’s future”. However, the former president’s tone remains uncertain, particularly given his recent criticism of the White House’s security handling.
As Trump returns to Butler, the focus remains on Healing After Trump Shooting. Meanwhile, the community seeks answers about the security lapses that led to the tragic events. With tensions still high, today’s rally will be a significant test of the town’s resilience.
In addition, locals like Lucie Roth and Gino Benford, who witnessed the shooting, continue to process their experiences. Roth initially thought the gunfire was fireworks, while Benford felt scared and calm. Similarly, Greg Smith, who saw the gunman on the roof, still feels angry. “I was very frustrated… He was on that roof for minutes, crawling, and we were pointing and yelling.”
