Defiant Trump makes bold return to Butler, Pa., in the aftermath of tragedy and heartache 3 months after first assassination attempt
BUTLER, Pa.— An undaunted former President Donald Trump returned Saturday to the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania, where he came within a quarter inch of death just three months ago.
“A very big thank you to Pennsylvania.We love, Pennsylvania, and as I was saying —,” Trump said to a thunderous applause, while standing in front of bulletproof glass at the exact spot where he was shot nearly three months ago.
“Tonight, I return to Butler in the aftermath of tragedy and heartache to deliver a simple message to the people of Pennsylvania and to the people of America.“Our movement to make America great again stands stronger, prouder, more united, more determined and nearer to victory than ever before.”Flanked by top MAGA stars, Trump hoped to galvanize his supporters in the crucial battleground state and transform the tragic memory of July 13 into a message of resilience, proving that he and his movement are more alive than ever, even as security concerns loom large.Supporters flocked to the showgrounds hours before Trump’s arrival, and Pennsylvania State Police officials estimated the crowd at 21,000 people.Trump commenced his speech by rattling off a bevy of thank yous, conveying gratitude to all the first responders for leaping into action when bullets started flying on July 13.
Chants of “Corey” broke out from the audience at one point.“Exactly 12 weeks ago … on this very ground, a cold-blooded assassin aimed to silence me and to silence the greatest movement,” Trump recounted.“For 16 harrowing seconds during the gunfire, time stopped as this vicious monster unleashed pure evil from his sniper’s perch.”“By the hand of Providence and the grace of God, that villain did not succeed in his goal.
Did not come close.He did not stop our movement.
He did not break out our spirit.”About 10 minutes into his return speech, Trump paused for a moment of silence to pay tribute to Comperatore.Christopher Macchio then performed “Av...